Casu marzu Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.
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 Casu marzu Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Casu marzu Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Casu marzu Cheese (3 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Aging | 3 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Casu marzu Cheese shows mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours, 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. Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu 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, soft-ripened cheese, go with Casu marzu Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Casu marzu Cheese is typically aged 3 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.
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, Casu marzu Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.