Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
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 Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Hard |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
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, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.