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Fromage Frais Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Fromage Frais Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Fromage Frais Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Fromage Frais Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
- "How does Fromage Frais Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Fromage Frais Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Fromage Frais Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese better?"
Fromage Frais Cheese Overview
Fromage Frais is a soft, fresh cheese similar to fromage blanc but even creamier and richer. It is made from whole or skimmed milk with cream, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. This cheese is commonly used in France for desserts or simply enjoyed with fruit or honey.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Fromage Frais Cheese comes from France. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Fromage Frais is not a protected cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Information on the milk type and treatment for Fromage Frais Cheese is not available. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Fromage Frais's texture can be described as "fresh soft". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".
Taste and Aroma
Fromage Frais Cheese has a milky, smooth taste. Fromage Frais's aroma can be described as "mild". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".
Appearance and Aging
Fromage Frais Cheese's appearance is colored white . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a color of straw or light straw , comes in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and has an aging period of 12 to 36 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Fromage Frais is ranked #86 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Fromage Frais | Parmigiano Reggiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Fromage Frais and Parmigiano Reggiano pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Fromage Frais Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Not Specified | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Raw |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Minimum 32% |
| Rind | Not Specified | Hard |
| Texture | Fresh soft | Grainy, flaky |
| Taste | Milky, smooth | Umami |
| Aroma | Mild | Mild, Milky |
| Colors | White | Straw or light straw |
| Forms | Not Specified | Cylindrical, slightly convex sides |
| Age | Not Specified | 12 to 36 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a fresh soft cheese, go for Fromage Frais. But if you enjoy a grainy, flaky consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano might be the better pick. Fromage Frais has a milky, smooth taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmigiano Reggiano offers a umami profile, ideal for different meals.
