Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, dry and grainy | Firm |
| Rind | — | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Sharp, salty and savory | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
What is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.