Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
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 Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Soft to semihard |
| Aging | — | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja 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 soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Pljevlja 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 soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.