Queso Manchego vs Parmesan Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Queso Manchego and Parmesan Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Queso Manchego and Parmesan Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
• "How does Queso Manchego compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Queso Manchego compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego or Parmesan Cheese better?"

Queso Manchego Overview

Manchego is a PDO-protected cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain, exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep. It has a firm and compact consistency and a buttery texture, with a distinctive flavor that is well-developed and tangy, often with a slight piquancy in older cheeses. Manchego is aged for a minimum of two months and up to two years, developing a deeper flavor and harder texture with time.

Parmesan Cheese Overview

Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Queso Manchego comes from Spain. Parmesan 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. Queso Manchego has a PDO (1996). Parmesan is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Queso Manchego is made with sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Queso Manchego's texture can be described as "compact". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".

Taste and Aroma

Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste. Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".

Appearance and Aging

Queso Manchego's appearance is colored white to yellowish ivory , is available in cylindrical with flat faces and is aged fresco (2 weeks), semi-curado (3 weeks to 4 months), curado (3-6 months), viejo or anejo (1 year) . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .

Rind and Rennet Type

Queso Manchego's rind is described as pleita and flor imprints and uses animal rennet. Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .

Ranking

Queso Manchego is ranked #28 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Queso Manchego and Parmesan pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a compact cheese, go for Queso Manchego. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Queso Manchego to Other Cheeses

Compare Parmesan Cheese to Other Cheeses