Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

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

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

Provolone Cheese Overview

Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #113 out of 377 types.

Provolone is ranked #4 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Provolone is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

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

Flavor and Aroma

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

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 .

Rind and Rennet Type

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses