Cachaille Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Cachaille Cheese is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cachaille Cheese?
Cachaille is a strong Provençal cheese preparation made by fermenting leftover sheep tomme and goat brousse with brandy, white wine and oil. Sold in glass jars, it is spread on bread, and a well-tended pot can keep going for 20 years.
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 Cachaille Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Cachaille Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Cachaille Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Cachaille Cheese (soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Aging: Cachaille Cheese (2 to 3 months, up to 20 years), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Cachaille Cheese (strong), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cachaille Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Puimichel In Provence Alpes | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Strong | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Cachaille Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Cachaille Cheese reads as strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Cachaille Cheese shows sharpened with brandy, white wine, vinegar, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, 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. Cachaille Cheese at 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Cachaille Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Cachaille Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Cachaille Cheese reads as strong while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Cachaille 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 cheese, go with Cachaille Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cachaille Cheese suits recipes that want strong 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 Cachaille Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cachaille Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Cachaille Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Cachaille Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Cachaille Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cachaille Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cachaille Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Cachaille Cheese reads as strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Cachaille Cheese made of?
Cachaille Cheese is made from goat milk. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years. It originates in France.
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, Cachaille Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cachaille Cheese is soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.