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Comté Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Comté Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Parmigiano Reggiano 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). Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".
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 . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a color of straw or light straw , comes in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and has an aging period of 12 to 36 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Comté is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Parmigiano Reggiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Parmigiano Reggiano pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Minimum 32% |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Grainy, flaky |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Umami |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild, Milky |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Straw or light straw |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Cylindrical, slightly convex sides |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | 12 to 36 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a grainy, flaky consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmigiano Reggiano offers a umami profile, ideal for different meals.
