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Gorgonzola Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Parmesan Cheese better?"
Gorgonzola Cheese Overview
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
Parmesan Cheese Overview
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Parmesan 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. Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996). Parmesan is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty". Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
Appearance and Aging
Gorgonzola Cheese's appearance is colored straw-white, blue-green veins , is available in 13 to 26 pounds and is aged 2 to 3 months . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none . Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Gorgonzola is ranked #20 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Gorgonzola | Parmesan | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Bresaola | Shrimp |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gorgonzola and Parmesan pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Gorgonzola Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | 25-35% | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Texture | Soft to crumbly | Hard, artisan |
| Taste | Sweet to savory | Salty, savory |
| Aroma | Nutty | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Straw-white, blue-green veins | Straw |
| Forms | 13 to 26 pounds | Not Specified |
| Age | 2 to 3 months | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft to crumbly cheese, go for Gorgonzola. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Gorgonzola has a sweet to savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.
