Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Saint André Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened 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 Saint André Cheese?
Saint-André is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese from Normandy, sold as a small 200 g (7.1 oz) cylinder under a powdery white bloomy rind. Cream added during making takes its fat content to around 75 percent, and it tastes like Brie turned up.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Saint André Cheese?
- Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Saint André Cheese (France)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Saint André Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Saint André Cheese (bloomy)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Saint André Cheese (about 30 days)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Saint André Cheese (buttery, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Saint André Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Normandy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Hard | Bloomy |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | About 30 days |
| Taste | Umami | Buttery, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Saint André Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Saint André Cheese's rich. 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 Saint André Cheese leans toward like an intense version of brie, with a tangy edible rind. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Saint André Cheese at about 30 days.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Saint André 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 soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Saint André 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 soft, soft-ripened profile, Saint André Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Saint André Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Saint André Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Saint André Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Saint André Cheese about 30 days.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Saint André Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Saint André Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Saint André Cheese is buttery, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Saint André Cheese is closer to rich.
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 Saint André Cheese made of?
Saint André Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged about 30 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Saint André Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.