Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Soft and tender |
| Rind | — | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | At least twenty-eight days |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Delicate hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese leans toward nutty.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Saint-Nectaire 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 soft and tender. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Saint-Nectaire 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 and tender profile, Saint-Nectaire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese fits dishes calling for delicate hazelnut.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is delicate hazelnut.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender.