Bonchester Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bonchester Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Scotland and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Bonchester Cheese
Buy Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
What Is Bonchester Cheese?
Bonchester is a modern Scottish soft cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk, with a soft white rind and a deep butter-yellow paste. It has held protected designation of origin status since 1996.
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 Bonchester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Bonchester Cheese (Scotland and United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Bonchester Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Bonchester Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Bonchester Cheese (soft white), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Bonchester Cheese (4 to 8 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Bonchester Cheese (mild), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bonchester Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Scotland And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Roxburghshire | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Soft white | Hard |
| Aging | 4 to 8 weeks | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Bonchester Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bonchester Cheese reads as mild, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Bonchester Cheese offers grassy, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Bonchester Cheese shows a trace of mushroom in the rind, fresh and grassy inside, 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. Bonchester Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Bonchester Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Bonchester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Bonchester Cheese reads as mild while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Bonchester Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Bonchester Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bonchester Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonchester Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bonchester Cheese originates in Scotland and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Bonchester Cheese is typically aged 4 to 8 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Bonchester Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bonchester Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bonchester Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bonchester Cheese reads as mild, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Bonchester Cheese leans grassy, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Bonchester Cheese made of?
Bonchester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Scotland and 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, Bonchester Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bonchester Cheese is soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.