Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
Buy Exmoor Blue Cheese
Buy Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | — |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | — |
| Taste | — | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor 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 soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy.
Which Is Better, Exmoor 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 soft cheese, go with Exmoor Blue Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 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, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.