Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese is a malleable cow-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese?

Noord-Hollandse Edammer is a traditional Edam cheese made in the Province of Noord-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for its spherical shape with a flat top and bottom, weighing between

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 Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese (Partially skimmed and pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese (Malleable), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Taste: Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese (Distinctive taste), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese reads as distinctive taste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese shows determined by the characteristics of noord-holland milk fat and low salt content, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty.

Can You Substitute Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect malleable bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese reads as distinctive taste while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a malleable cheese, go with Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese suits recipes that want distinctive taste notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese reads as distinctive taste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese made of?

Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese is made from cow milk (partially skimmed and pasteurized), using calf rennet.

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, Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Noord-Hollandse Edammer Cheese is malleable, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.