Parmesan Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Parmesan Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queijo São Jorge is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)
• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Queijo São Jorge (Raw)
• Rind: Parmesan Cheese (natural), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. On the nose, Parmesan Cheese offers nutty, strong, contrasted with Queijo São Jorge's peppery, grassy. More specifically, Parmesan Cheese shows sharp, salty, savory, strong umami, while Queijo São Jorge leans toward mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged). Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Parmesan Cheese and Queijo São Jorge 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 Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.

Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy. Aromas also diverge. Parmesan Cheese leans nutty, strong, and Queijo São Jorge is closer to peppery, grassy.

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 Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.