Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Penamellera Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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 Is Penamellera Cheese?
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Penamellera Cheese?
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow), Penamellera Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Penamellera Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Penamellera Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Penamellera Cheese (acidic, bitter, herbaceous)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Penamellera Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Asturias, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 10 to 15 days |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Acidic, bitter, herbaceous |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Penamellera Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Penamellera Cheese leans toward somewhat strong, slightly acidic, with faint bitter hints.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can stand in for Penamellera Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, dry and grainy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, dry and grainy cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Penamellera Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Penamellera Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, bitter, herbaceous.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Penamellera Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk; Penamellera Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Penamellera Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Penamellera Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Penamellera Cheese is acidic, bitter, herbaceous.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Penamellera Cheese made of?
Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 10 to 15 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.