Maredsous Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Maredsous Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Maredsous Cheese?
Maredsous is a semi-hard, loaf-shaped cow's milk cheese with a brine-washed orange rind and a pungent aroma. It is known for hand washing every two days and a 22-day cellar maturation.
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 Maredsous Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Maredsous Cheese (Belgium), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Maredsous Cheese (soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Maredsous Cheese (washed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Maredsous Cheese (22 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maredsous Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Belgium | Italy |
| Specific Origin | France | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Washed | Hard |
| Aging | 22 days | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Maredsous Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Maredsous Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. Aging plays into this as well. Maredsous Cheese at 22 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Maredsous Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Maredsous Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky.
Which Is Better, Maredsous 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 cheese, go with Maredsous Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maredsous Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Maredsous Cheese originates in Belgium, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Maredsous Cheese is typically aged 22 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Maredsous Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Maredsous Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Maredsous Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Maredsous Cheese made of?
Maredsous Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 22 days. It originates in Belgium.
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, Maredsous Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maredsous Cheese is soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.