Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | — | At least four months |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery character.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.