Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs San Simón da Costa Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while San Simón da Costa Cheese is semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes 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 San Simón da Costa Cheese?
San Simón da Costa is a smoked cow's milk cheese from the Terra Chá region of Galicia, Spain. It is pressed into a pear shape, smoked over birch wood, and has held Protected Designation of Origin status since 2008.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and San Simón da Costa Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), San Simón da Costa Cheese (raw or pasteurized)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), San Simón da Costa Cheese (semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), San Simón da Costa Cheese (smooth, hard, waxy, brown, 1 to 3 mm thick)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), San Simón da Costa Cheese (at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), San Simón da Costa Cheese (mild, slightly salty, smoky)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | San Simón da Costa Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Terra Chá, Galicia, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes |
| Rind | Hard | Smooth, hard, waxy, brown, 1 to 3 mm thick |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | At least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days |
| Taste | Umami | Mild, slightly salty, smoky |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while San Simón da Costa Cheese brings mild, slightly salty, smoky character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with San Simón da Costa Cheese's birch smoke. 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 San Simón da Costa Cheese leans toward mild with a hint of spiciness, slightly salty, birch smoke. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than San Simón da Costa Cheese at at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for San Simón da Costa Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and San Simón da Costa 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-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while San Simón da Costa Cheese brings mild, slightly salty, smoky notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or San Simón da Costa 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-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes profile, San Simón da Costa Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while San Simón da Costa Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, slightly salty, smoky.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as San Simón da Costa Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, San Simón da Costa Cheese at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for San Simón da Costa Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like San Simón da Costa Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while San Simón da Costa Cheese is mild, slightly salty, smoky. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and San Simón da Costa Cheese is closer to birch smoke.
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 San Simón da Costa Cheese made of?
San Simón da Costa Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or San Simón da Costa Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while San Simón da Costa Cheese is semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes.