Farmstead Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
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 Farmstead Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmstead Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Europe And North America | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmstead Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmstead Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Farmstead 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, Farmstead 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 Farmstead Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Farmstead Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmstead Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Farmstead 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 Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
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, Farmstead Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.