Civray Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

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

No. Civray 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 Civray Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Civray 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.

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

What Is Civray Cheese?

Civray is a soft artisan cheese from France made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The cheese offers a pleasant aroma and a flavor profile that balances acidic and sweet notes. With a fat content of 45%, Civray has a creamy texture that is characteristic of many goat's milk cheeses. Its soft consistency makes it an excellent choice for spreading on crusty bread or enjoying as part of a cheese platter.

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 Civray Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Civray Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Civray Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Civray Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Civray Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Civray Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Civray Cheese (acidic, sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Civray Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Acidic, sweet	Umami

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

Civray Cheese reads as acidic, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Civray Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.

Can You Substitute Civray Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Civray Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Civray Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Civray Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Civray Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Civray Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Civray Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Civray Cheese reads as acidic, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Civray Cheese leans pleasant, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Civray Cheese made of?

Civray Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). 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, Civray Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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