Frinault Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

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

No. Frinault 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 Frinault Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Frinault Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Frinault 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.

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

What Is Frinault Cheese?

Frinault is a soft cheese from the countryside around Orléans in France, made with pasteurized whole cow's milk at 50% fat. It comes as a small 120 g disc in three versions: plain, ash-ripened Frinault cendré, and the longer-aged Frinault sec.

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 Frinault Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Frinault Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Frinault Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Frinault Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Frinault Cheese (spicy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Frinault Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Orléans Area, Loiret, Centre-Val De Loire, France	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, soft-ripened	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	About 2 weeks	12 to 36 months
Taste	Spicy	Umami

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

Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Frinault Cheese offers fermented, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Frinault Cheese shows fruity and more perfumed in the cendré version, close to olivet cendré, 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. Aging plays into this as well. Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Frinault Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Frinault 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, soft-ripened cheese, go with Frinault Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese suits recipes that want spicy 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 Frinault Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Frinault Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Frinault Cheese is typically aged about 2 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Frinault Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Frinault Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Frinault Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Frinault Cheese leans fermented, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Frinault Cheese made of?

Frinault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 2 weeks. 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, Frinault Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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