Old Ford Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Old Ford Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Old Ford Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Old Ford Cheese?

Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

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 Old Ford Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Old Ford Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom	Italy
Specific Origin	Timsbury, Somerset	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Semi-hard, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Old Ford Cheese offers barnyardy, floral, goaty, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.

Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Old Ford Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Old Ford Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Old Ford Cheese leans barnyardy, floral, goaty, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Old Ford Cheese made of?

Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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, Old Ford Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.