Langres Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Langres Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Langres Cheese?

Langres is a cow's milk cheese from the plateau of Langres in Champagne-Ardenne, France. It is a small cylinder with a Penicillium candidum rind tinted orange by annatto, known for the concave dent in its top called the fontaine.

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 Langres Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Langres Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Langres Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Langres Cheese (Semisoft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Langres Cheese (Soft, orange), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Langres Cheese (5 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Langres Cheese (Creamy, nutty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Langres Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Langres Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Langres Cheese offers creamy aromas, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Langres Cheese shows characterized by a soft-rind with an orange rind colored by annatto and a naturally formed bowl on the top called the “fontaine.” known for its creamy aromas and hazelnut taste, enhanced by slow maturation of milk and ripening with salt water. can be consumed alone, paired with pinot noir or champagne, or used in recipes like fondue champenoise., 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. Langres Cheese at 5 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Langres Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Langres Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Langres Cheese reads as creamy, nutty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Langres Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Langres Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Langres Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, nutty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Langres Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Langres Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Langres Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Langres Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Langres Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Langres Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Langres Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Langres Cheese leans creamy aromas, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Langres Cheese made of?

Langres Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 weeks. It originates in France.

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, Langres Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Langres Cheese is semisoft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.