Parmesan Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese

Parmesan Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.

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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.

What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?

• Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Parmesan Cheese (Hard), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Semi-soft, blue-veined)
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Parmesan Cheese offers nutty, strong, contrasted with Strathdon Blue Cheese's rich. More specifically, Parmesan Cheese shows sharp, salty, savory, strong umami, while Strathdon Blue Cheese leans toward tangy.

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmesan Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, salty. Aromas also diverge. Parmesan Cheese leans nutty, strong, and Strathdon Blue Cheese is closer to rich.

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 Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?

Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.

Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmesan Cheese is hard, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.