Mascarpone Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

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

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

Mascarpone Cheese Overview

Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.

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

Ranking

Mascarpone is ranked #49 out of 377 types.

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #113 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. 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. Mascarpone is not a protected cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".

Flavor and Aroma

Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".

Appearance and Aging

Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . 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.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses