Double Gloucester Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

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 Double Gloucester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Double Gloucester Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

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, Double Gloucester Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.