Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | — |
| Aging | At least 10 days | — |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese shows light goat flavor, floral, balanced, ages to mushroom, forest undergrowth, matures to nutty flavors, repassé: strong, creamy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.