Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Raclette de Savoie Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette de Savoie Cheese is firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated and made from cow milk.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What Is Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Raclette de Savoie is a pressed, uncooked cheese from France. It is made from raw or heat-treated cow's milk. The cheese is traditionally matured for a minimum of eight weeks. It has a washed rind that is yellow to brown and a paste that is white to straw-yellow. Raclette de Savoie is known for its firm and tender texture, becoming creamy and melting when heated. The cheese is typically sold in wheel form, but can also be sliced into wedges or prepackaged for consumers. It is linked to the Savoie region's rich history of livestock farming and cheese-making expertise.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Washed rind, yellow to brown in color)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Minimum of eight weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Raclette de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Savoie And Haute Savoie Departments, And Specific Municipalities In The Departments Of Ain And Isère |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw or heat-treated |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated |
| Rind | Hard | Washed rind, yellow to brown in color |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | Minimum of eight weeks |
| Taste | Umami | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Raclette de Savoie Cheese leans toward creamy, not very sticky, pronounced meltability. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Raclette de Savoie Cheese at minimum of eight weeks.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Raclette de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated profile, Raclette de Savoie Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Raclette de Savoie Cheese minimum of eight weeks.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Raclette de Savoie Cheese made of?
Raclette de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or heat-treated). It's typically aged minimum of eight weeks.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Raclette de Savoie Cheese is firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated.