Abertam Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Abertam Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Abertam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from Czech Republic and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Abertam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Abertam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Abertam Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Abertam Cheese is a hard, artisan sheep-milk cheese from Czech Republic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Abertam Cheese?

Abertam is a Czech farmhouse cheese made from sheep milk in the Karlovy Vary area. It is hard pressed, ripened for two months, and known for a robust flavour that comes from the mountain pastures of Bohemia.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Abertam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Abertam Cheese (Czech Republic), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Abertam Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Texture: Abertam Cheese (hard, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Abertam Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Abertam Cheese (2 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Abertam Cheese (acidic, strong, tangy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Abertam Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	Czech Republic	Italy
Specific Origin	Karlovy Vary	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	Hard, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	2 months	12 to 36 months
Taste	Acidic, strong, tangy	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Abertam Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. Aging plays into this as well. Abertam Cheese at 2 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Abertam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Abertam Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Abertam Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Abertam Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Abertam Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, strong, tangy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abertam Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Abertam Cheese originates in Czech Republic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Abertam Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Abertam Cheese is typically aged 2 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Abertam Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Abertam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Abertam Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Abertam Cheese made of?

Abertam Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 months. It originates in Czech Republic.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Abertam Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Abertam Cheese is hard, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.