Dorset Blue Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.

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 Dorset Blue Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue 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 cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

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, Dorset Blue Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.