Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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.

What Is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France. It is easily recognizable by its long, cylindrical shape and a small straw running through its center, which helps maintain the shape and distribute moisture. The cheese has a soft, creamy texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes nuttier as it ages.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (France)
Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (goat’s milk)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (semi-soft)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Gray-blue)
Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Minimum of ten days)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Indre-Et-Loire And Bordering Cantons
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat’s milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Raw
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Semi-soft
Rind	Hard	Gray-blue
Aging	12 to 36 months	Minimum of ten days
Taste	Umami	—

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese at minimum of ten days.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine 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, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese comes from France. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese minimum of ten days.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine 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 Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese made of?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of ten days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft.