Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Rollot Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Rollot Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Rollot Cheese?
Rollot is a soft cow's milk cheese from Picardy in northern France, named for a village in the Somme. Washing in salt water gives it an orange rind, and it comes as a small round or a heart, tasting lightly salty and tangy before turning fruity and strong with age.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Rollot Cheese?
- Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Rollot Cheese (France)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Rollot Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Rollot Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Rollot Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Rollot Cheese (salty, spicy, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Rollot Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Rollot |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Hard | Washed |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Umami | Salty, spicy, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Rollot Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Rollot Cheese brings salty, spicy, strong character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Rollot Cheese's fruity, yeasty. 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 Rollot Cheese leans toward lightly salted and tangy, with fruity and spicy notes after longer ripening. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Rollot Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Rollot Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Rollot 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 semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Rollot Cheese brings salty, spicy, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Rollot 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 semi-soft profile, Rollot Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Rollot Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, spicy, strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Rollot Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Rollot Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Rollot Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Rollot Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Rollot Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Rollot Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Rollot Cheese is salty, spicy, strong. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Rollot Cheese is closer to fruity, yeasty.
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 Rollot Cheese made of?
Rollot Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Rollot Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Rollot Cheese is semi-soft.