Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Raclette du Valais 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 semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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 semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth.