Chevrotin Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Chevrotin Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Chevrotin Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Chevrotin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Chevrotin Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Chevrotin Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Chevrotin Cheese is a soft, unctuous goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Chevrotin Cheese?

Chevrotin is an artisanal goat's milk cheese from the Alpine regions of France. It is similar to Reblochon but made exclusively from goat's milk. Chevrotin has a washed rind and a supple, creamy texture with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, often developing a stronger taste with maturation.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

What's the Difference Between Chevrotin Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Chevrotin Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Chevrotin Cheese (Goat's Milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Chevrotin Cheese (Unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Chevrotin Cheese (21+ days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Chevrotin Cheese (Mild, Caprine), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Chevrotin Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Savoie And Haute-Savoie	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat's Milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, unctuous	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Washed-rind	Hard
Aging	21+ days	12 to 36 months
Taste	Mild, Caprine	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Chevrotin Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Chevrotin Cheese offers gentle caprine, woody, farmyard, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Chevrotin Cheese shows gentle goatiness, balance of salt, vegetal notes, alpine flowers, pinkish exterior, fine white mold, ivory paste, 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. Chevrotin Cheese at 21+ days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Chevrotin 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, unctuous cheese, go with Chevrotin Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chevrotin Cheese suits recipes that want mild, caprine notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevrotin Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chevrotin Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chevrotin Cheese is typically aged 21+ days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Chevrotin Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Chevrotin Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Chevrotin Cheese leans gentle caprine, woody, farmyard, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Chevrotin Cheese made of?

Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 21+ 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, Chevrotin Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.