Laruns Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Laruns Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Laruns Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Laruns Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Laruns Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Laruns Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Laruns Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Laruns Cheese?

Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.

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 Laruns Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Laruns Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Laruns Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Laruns Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Laruns	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet	Umami

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

Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Laruns Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.

Can You Substitute Laruns Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Laruns Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Laruns Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laruns Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Laruns Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Laruns Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Laruns Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Laruns Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Laruns Cheese leans mild, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Laruns Cheese made of?

Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). 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, Laruns Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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