Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Roquefort Cheese

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

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

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #110 out of 377 types based on community views.

Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 377 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

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). Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

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

Flavor and Aroma

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

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 . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin Italy France
Specific Origin Emilia-Romagna region Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, south of France
Certification PDO (1996) PDO (1996), AOC (1925)
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Fat Content Minimum 32%
Rind Hard
Texture Grainy, flaky Moist, very creamy
Flavor Umami Mild to strong
Aroma Mild, Milky
Colors Straw or light straw Blue-veined
Forms Cylindrical, slightly convex sides Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil
Age 12 to 36 months Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
Rennet Type Calf rennet Animal

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

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