Mascares Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Mascares Cheese is a fresh soft, artisan goat and sheep-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mascares Cheese?
Mascares is a fresh, soft cheese made from a blend of goat's and sheep's milk in the Provencale region of France. It has a creamy white interior and is traditionally wrapped in leaves, which adds a touch of rustic appeal. The cheese offers an earthy aroma with floral notes, suggesting a connection to the natural surroundings where it is produced. Its texture is smooth and spreadable, making it ideal for pairing with crusty bread or crackers. The flavor is mild yet tangy, with a subtle hint of sweetness. Mascares is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its delicate balance of flavors and aromas.
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 Mascares Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Mascares Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Mascares Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Mascares Cheese (fresh soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Mascares Cheese (leaf wrapped), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mascares Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Provencale | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Fresh soft, artisan | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Leaf wrapped | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Mascares Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Mascares Cheese offers earthy, floral, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.
Can You Substitute Mascares Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Mascares Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky.
Which Is Better, Mascares Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft, artisan cheese, go with Mascares Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mascares Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mascares Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Mascares Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Mascares Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mascares Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mascares 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 Mascares Cheese made of?
Mascares Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk. 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, Mascares Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mascares Cheese is fresh soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.