Naboulsi Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
What Is Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
- Milk treatment: Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
- Taste: Naboulsi Cheese (salty), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Naboulsi Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Middle East And Palestine | — |
| Specific Origin | Nablus, Palestine | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, brined | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Salty | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character.
Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, brined cheese, go with Naboulsi Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.
Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.
What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.