Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
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 Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Hard | — |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | — |
| Taste | Umami | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.
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.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.