Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #174 out of 376 types.

Pimento is ranked #65 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996). Pimento is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Flavor and Aroma

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili flavor. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's appearance is colored straw or light straw , is available in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and is aged 12 to 36 months . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard and uses calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin Italy United States
Specific Origin Emilia-Romagna region Southern United States
Certification PDO (1996) None
Milk Type Cow's milk Cheddar, farmers’ style
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content Minimum 32%
Rind Hard
Texture Grainy, flaky Spreadable
Flavor Umami Sweet, rounded chili
Aroma Mild, Milky Sweet, rounded chili
Colors Straw or light straw
Forms Cylindrical, slightly convex sides Grated cheese mixed into a spread
Age 12 to 36 months
Rennet Type Calf rennet

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses