Five Counties Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Five Counties Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Five Counties Cheese?

Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Five Counties Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Five Counties Cheese (England), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Five Counties Cheese (Semi-hard), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Taste: Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Five Counties Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Five Counties Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong.

Can You Substitute Five Counties Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Five Counties Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Five Counties Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Five Counties Cheese. For a hard profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Five Counties Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, salty notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Five Counties Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Five Counties Cheese originates in England, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Five Counties Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Five Counties Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Five Counties Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Five Counties Cheese leans mild, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Five Counties Cheese made of?

Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Five Counties Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Five Counties Cheese is semi-hard, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.