L'Etivaz Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about L'Etivaz Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between L'Etivaz Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
  • "Is L'Etivaz Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
  • "How does L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
  • "Is L'Etivaz Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese better?"

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011). Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".

Taste and Aroma

L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".

Appearance and Aging

L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a color of straw or light straw , comes in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and has an aging period of 12 to 36 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.

Ranking

L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

L'Etivaz Parmigiano Reggiano
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the L'Etivaz and Parmigiano Reggiano pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

L'Etivaz Cheese Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Italy
Specific Origin Not Specified Emilia-Romagna Region
Certification GI (2011) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Minimum 32%
Rind Not Specified Hard
Texture Hard Grainy, flaky
Taste Not Specified Umami
Aroma Smokey Mild, Milky
Colors Pale yellow Straw or light straw
Forms Not Specified Cylindrical, slightly convex sides
Age Not Specified 12 to 36 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Calf rennet

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for L'Etivaz. But if you enjoy a grainy, flaky consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano might be the better pick.

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses

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