Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and 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 Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | — | Grayish natural |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, dry and grainy bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Tomme Cheese is varied.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.