Figue Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Figue Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Figue Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Figue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Figue Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Figue Cheese?

Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.

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 Figue Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Figue Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Provence	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Full-flavored, sour	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.

Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Figue Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Figue Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Figue Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Figue Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Figue Cheese made of?

Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

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, Figue Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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