Chaumes Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Chaumes Cheese is a soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Chaumes Cheese?
Chaumes is a cow's milk cheese from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord, south west France, built on traditional Trappist-style cheesemaking. It is known for its bright tangerine-orange washed rind, full-bodied flavour and smooth, faintly rubbery texture.
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 Chaumes Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Chaumes Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Chaumes Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Chaumes Cheese (soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Chaumes Cheese (washed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Chaumes Cheese (4 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Chaumes Cheese (full-flavored, nutty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chaumes Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | St Antoine | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Washed | Hard |
| Aging | 4 weeks | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Full-flavored, nutty | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Chaumes Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Chaumes Cheese offers aromatic, strong, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Chaumes Cheese shows rich and full-bodied, 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. Chaumes Cheese at 4 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Chaumes Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Chaumes Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Chaumes 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, semi-soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Chaumes Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, nutty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chaumes Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chaumes Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Chaumes Cheese is typically aged 4 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Chaumes Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Chaumes Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Chaumes Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Chaumes Cheese leans aromatic, strong, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Chaumes Cheese made of?
Chaumes Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks. 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, Chaumes Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chaumes Cheese is soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.