Ossau-Iraty Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is a semi-hard, creamy sheep-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Ossau-Iraty Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Sheep's milk), Parmesan Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Raw), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Semi-hard, creamy), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese reads as fruity, herbaceous, nutty, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Ossau-Iraty Cheese offers rich, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. Aging plays into this as well. Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese can stand in for Parmesan Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Ossau-Iraty Cheese reads as fruity, herbaceous, nutty while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Ossau-Iraty Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, creamy cheese, go with Ossau-Iraty Cheese. For a hard profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ossau-Iraty Cheese suits recipes that want fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ossau-Iraty Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmesan Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Ossau-Iraty Cheese is typically aged minimum 80-120 days, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese reads as fruity, herbaceous, nutty, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Ossau-Iraty Cheese leans rich, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Ossau-Iraty Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.