Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cow-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.
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 Gouda Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Holland | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth | Hard |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese shows less salty than other gouda cheeses, cumin may be added, 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. Aging plays into this as well. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cheese, go with Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese made of?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf or microbial rennet, no genetically modified organisms used rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
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 Gouda Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product', while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.