Grevé Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Grevé Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Sweden, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Grevé Cheese?
Grevé is a Swedish cow's milk cheese built along the lines of Emmental, first produced in 1964 at Örnsköldsvik. It is semi-hard, tastes nut-like and slightly sweet, and carries a fat content of 30 to 45 percent.
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 Grevé Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Grevé Cheese (Sweden), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Grevé Cheese (semi-hard), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Grevé Cheese (waxed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Taste: Grevé Cheese (mild, nutty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Grevé Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Sweden | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Örnsköldsvik, Västernorrland County, Sweden | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Waxed | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild, nutty | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Grevé Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Grevé Cheese shows nut-like, slightly sweet, 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.
Can You Substitute Grevé Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Grevé Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Grevé Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Grevé Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Grevé Cheese suits recipes that want mild, nutty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grevé Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Grevé Cheese originates in Sweden, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Grevé Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Grevé Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Grevé Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Grevé Cheese made of?
Grevé Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Sweden.
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, Grevé Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Grevé Cheese is semi-hard, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.