Parmesan Cheese vs Reggianito Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Reggianito Cheese
Parmesan Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Reggianito Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Argentina.
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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 Is Reggianito Cheese?
Reggianito is a hard, granular cow's milk cheese from Argentina, made in small 6.8 kg (15 lb) wheels. It ages 5 to 6 months and is used mostly for cooking and for grating over pasta.
What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Reggianito Cheese?
- Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Reggianito Cheese (Argentina)
- Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Reggianito Cheese (5 to 6 months)
- Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Reggianito Cheese (full-flavored, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmesan Cheese | Reggianito Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Argentina |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Argentina |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 12 months, average 2 years | 5 to 6 months |
| Taste | Salty, savory | Full-flavored, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Reggianito Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Reggianito Cheese brings full-flavored, salty character. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Reggianito Cheese at 5 to 6 months.
Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Reggianito Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmesan Cheese and Reggianito Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Reggianito Cheese brings full-flavored, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Reggianito Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese suits recipes that want salty, savory notes, while Reggianito Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Reggianito Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Reggianito Cheese comes from Argentina. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Reggianito Cheese 5 to 6 months.
Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Reggianito Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Reggianito Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Reggianito Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Reggianito Cheese is full-flavored, salty.
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.
What is Reggianito Cheese made of?
Reggianito Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 5 to 6 months. It originates in Argentina.
Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Reggianito Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.