Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Germany, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler is a raw-milk Emmental from the Allgäu region of Germany, protected as a designation of origin since January 1997. It ripens for at least three months and tastes clearly of hazelnut, milder than Swiss Emmentaler.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (Germany), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Aging: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (at least 3 months), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (nutty), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese shows hazelnut character, lighter than swiss emmentaler, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese at at least 3 months develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese suits recipes that want nutty notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese originates in Germany, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is typically aged at least 3 months, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese leans pungent, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese made of?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 3 months. It originates in Germany.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.