Imokilly Regato Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Imokilly Regato Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Imokilly Regato Cheese?
Imokilly Regato is a cheese made from cow's milk in the region of South-East Cork, Ireland. It is produced by Dairygold Cooperative, specifically in the townland of Mogeely within the barony of Imokilly. The cheese is made from milk sourced from pasture-fed cows, which graze from March to October. This grazing period contributes to the cheese's distinctive color and flavor due to the high levels of betacarotene in the milk. The cheese is matured for 9 to 12 months and is known for its unique taste, aroma, and texture. The production process incorporates traditional cheese-making skills from the region. Imokilly Regato has a protected designation of origin (PDO) status.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Imokilly Regato Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Imokilly Regato Cheese (Standardized and cooled to 32-34°C), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Aging: Imokilly Regato Cheese (9-12 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Imokilly Regato Cheese (Unique taste), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Imokilly Regato Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | South-East Cork, Specifically The Barony Of Imokilly, Mogeely | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Standardized and cooled to 32-34°C | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | 9-12 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Unique taste | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Imokilly Regato Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Imokilly Regato Cheese reads as unique taste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Imokilly Regato Cheese offers unique aroma, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Imokilly Regato Cheese shows influenced by high levels of betacarotene and low melting fatty acids, 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. Aging plays into this as well. Imokilly Regato Cheese at 9-12 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Imokilly Regato Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Imokilly Regato Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Imokilly Regato Cheese reads as unique taste while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Imokilly Regato Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Imokilly Regato Cheese suits recipes that want unique taste notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imokilly Regato Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Imokilly Regato Cheese is typically aged 9-12 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Imokilly Regato Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Imokilly Regato Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Imokilly Regato Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Imokilly Regato Cheese reads as unique taste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Imokilly Regato Cheese leans unique aroma, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Imokilly Regato Cheese made of?
Imokilly Regato Cheese is made from cow milk (standardized and cooled to 32-34°c), using individualized rennet, blended daily on the premises rennet. It's typically aged 9-12 months.
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, Imokilly Regato Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.