Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese is hard and made from cow milk.

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 Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop is a hard cheese made in the parish of Dunlop, Scotland, using milk from Ayrshire cows. It has a natural pale yellow color and a smooth, close surface that feels moist when cut. The cheese develops a mild, nutty flavor when young, becoming creamier and more pronounced as it matures. It has a thin golden rind and a firm body that becomes drier with age. Ayrshire cows' milk, known for its smaller fat globules, helps retain moisture in the curd, contributing to the cheese's characteristic smooth texture. The cheese is traditionally cloth-bound and matured for a minimum of 6 months, with popular aging periods between 10 and 12 months. It is made using open vats, hand-cut curds, and a scalding process to develop its distinctive rind. Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop continues to be produced using the same artisan techniques established over 300 years ago.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese (Raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese (Hard)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese (Mild and nutty when young, develops creamier, stronger nutty flavors with age)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese brings mild and nutty when young, develops creamier, stronger nutty flavors with age character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese leans toward subtle, rich, creamy, slightly sweet and nutty.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese brings mild and nutty when young, develops creamier, stronger nutty flavors with age notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop 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 hard profile, Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese fits dishes calling for mild and nutty when young, develops creamier, stronger nutty flavors with age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese is mild and nutty when young, develops creamier, stronger nutty flavors with age.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?

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

What is Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese made of?

Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 18 months (mild: 6–10 months, mature: 10–12 months, extra mature: 12–18 months).

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese?

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