Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is a young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie is the AOC version of Camembert, a soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy in northwest France. The rules require raw milk from Normande cows, and each small round is covered by a bloomy white rind.

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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Narrow unripe core; Aged: Homogeneous, sticky), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese offers lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Camembert de Normandie Cheese shows starts with a tangy, sweet flavor, evolving into more pungent notes of mushroom and garlic as it ages. the texture also evolves from somewhat crumbly to satisfyingly sticky and chewy., 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. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky cheese, go with Camembert de Normandie Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese suits recipes that want young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert de Normandie Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Camembert de Normandie Cheese leans lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Camembert de Normandie Cheese made of?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged ~30 days. 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, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.