Morlacco Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Morlacco Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Morlacco Cheese?
Morlacco is a soft, low-fat cow's milk cheese from Monte Grappa in Italy's Veneto region, made with an uncooked curd. It is known for the milk of the Burlina cow, a piebald local breed now at risk of extinction.
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 Morlacco Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Morlacco Cheese (skimmed or whole), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Morlacco Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Morlacco Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Morlacco Cheese (20 days to 3 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Morlacco Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Monte Grappa, Veneto, Italy | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Skimmed or whole | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Aging | 20 days to 3 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Morlacco Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Morlacco Cheese offers fresh, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. Aging plays into this as well. Morlacco Cheese at 20 days to 3 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Morlacco Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Morlacco Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky.
Which Is Better, Morlacco 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, artisan cheese, go with Morlacco Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morlacco Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Morlacco Cheese is typically aged 20 days to 3 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Morlacco Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Morlacco Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Morlacco 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 Morlacco Cheese made of?
Morlacco Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or whole). It's typically aged 20 days to 3 months. It originates in Italy.
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, Morlacco Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Morlacco Cheese is soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.