Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Salers Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Salers Cheese is firm 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 Salers Cheese?

Salers is a semi-hard pressed cheese from the Cantal department in France's Massif Central, made only between 15 April and 15 November. Wheels weigh about 40 kg (88 lb) and age in caves for three to forty-five months. It has held AOC status since 1961.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Salers Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Salers Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Salers Cheese (Firm)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Salers Cheese (Strong-tasting)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Salers Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Salers Cheese brings strong-tasting character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Salers Cheese leans toward plant and fruit with peppery and even smoky flavors.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Salers Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Salers 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Salers Cheese brings strong-tasting notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Salers 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 firm profile, Salers Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Salers Cheese fits dishes calling for strong-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Salers Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Salers Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Salers Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Salers Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Salers Cheese is strong-tasting.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.

What is Salers Cheese made of?

Salers Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of three months, up to forty-five months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Salers Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Salers Cheese is firm.