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Gouda Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Gouda Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gouda Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gouda Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gouda Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gouda Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese better?"
Gouda Cheese Overview
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
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
Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. 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. Gouda is not a protected cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Gouda Cheese has a moisture content of reduced by scalding. Gouda's texture can be described as "varies". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".
Taste and Aroma
Gouda Cheese has a sweet to nutty taste. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".
Appearance and Aging
Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in large wheels and is aged varies . 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
Gouda Cheese's rind is described as durable . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Gouda is ranked #2 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Gouda | 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 | Hard Cider | 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 Gouda and Parmigiano Reggiano pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Gouda Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Minimum 32% |
| Moisture Content | Reduced by scalding | Not Specified |
| Rind | Durable | Hard |
| Texture | Varies | Grainy, flaky |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Umami |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild, Milky |
| Colors | Yellow | Straw or light straw |
| Forms | Large wheels | Cylindrical, slightly convex sides |
| Age | Varies | 12 to 36 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies cheese, go for Gouda. But if you enjoy a grainy, flaky consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano might be the better pick. Gouda has a sweet to nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmigiano Reggiano offers a umami profile, ideal for different meals.
