Graviera Naxou Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Graviera Naxou Cheese is a elastic cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
What Is Graviera Naxou Cheese?
Graviera Naxou is a yellow hard cheese from the Greek island of Naxos, made with pasteurized cow's milk and up to 20 percent sheep's milk. It is known for its delicate, slightly sharp aroma and its PDO status, held since 1996.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Graviera Naxou Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk type: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%)), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
- Milk treatment: Graviera Naxou Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Elastic), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Graviera Naxou Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | — |
| Specific Origin | Naxos | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%) | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Elastic | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Smear rind | — |
| Aging | 3 months | — |
| Taste | — | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Graviera Naxou Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Graviera Naxou Cheese shows produced traditionally, small-scale, without starter, renneted at 91–97°f, aged at least 3 months, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.
Can You Substitute Graviera Naxou Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Graviera Naxou Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy.
Which Is Better, Graviera Naxou Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a elastic cheese, go with Graviera Naxou Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graviera Naxou Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.
Is Graviera Naxou Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Graviera Naxou Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Graviera Naxou Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Graviera Naxou Cheese made of?
Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized), using traditional lamb's stomach rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Graviera Naxou Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.