Caciottone di Norcia Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is a soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind cow and sheep-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
What Is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Caciottone di Norcia is a cheese from Italy, specifically recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. It is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 20-22 cm and a heel height of 9-11 cm, weighing approximately
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Caciottone di Norcia Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk type: Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Cow's milk and sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
- Milk treatment: Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
- Taste: Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Caciottone di Norcia Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Valnerina Area In The Province Of Perugia, Including The Municipalities Of Norcia, Cascia, Monteleone Di Spoleto, Preci, And Poggiodomo | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk and sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Thin, smooth, and washed | — |
| Aging | 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type | — |
| Taste | Fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Caciottone di Norcia Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese reads as fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese shows cream, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.
Can You Substitute Caciottone di Norcia Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese reads as fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind cheese, go with Caciottone di Norcia Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese suits recipes that want fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.
Is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Caciottone di Norcia Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Caciottone di Norcia Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese reads as fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.
What is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese made of?
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.