Berkswell Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Berkswell Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
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 Berkswell Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky.
Which Is Better, Berkswell 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 cheese, go with Berkswell Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
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, Berkswell Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.