Armenian String Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Armenian String Cheese?
Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.
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 Armenian String Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Armenian String Cheese made of?
Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.
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, Armenian String Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.