Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. 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 Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Provolone 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, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.