Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Raclette 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 Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Raclette 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 Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Raclette 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 Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
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 Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Raclette 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 Cheese is semisoft, smooth.