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Comté Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Comté Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Parmesan Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese Overview
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Parmesan Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Parmesan is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Parmesan | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Shrimp |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Parmesan pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Hard, artisan |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Salty, savory |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Straw |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Not Specified |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.
