Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Selles-sur-Cher Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher 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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher 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

Selles-sur-Cher Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm 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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Selles-sur-Cher is a French goat cheese from the Centre-Val de Loire region. It features a distinctive ash-covered rind and a firm yet creamy texture. The cheese has a subtle nutty flavor with a hint of tanginess. As it matures, the flavor intensifies, becoming more pronounced and slightly salty.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (France)
Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Whole goat’s milk)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fine and firm)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ash-coated, light to dark ash)
Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ten days minimum)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fresh, hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Sologne, North-Central France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Whole goat’s milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	—
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Fine and firm
Rind	Hard	Ash-coated, light to dark ash
Aging	12 to 36 months	Ten days minimum
Taste	Umami	Fresh, hazelnut

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Selles-sur-Cher Cheese's fresh goat, mushroom hints. 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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese leans toward chalky-white, homogenous, highlighted by rind. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Selles-sur-Cher Cheese at ten days minimum.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Selles-sur-Cher 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 fine and firm. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher 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 fine and firm profile, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese fits dishes calling for fresh, hazelnut.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

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

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fresh, hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is closer to fresh goat, mushroom hints.

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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese made of?

Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is made from goat milk, using small amount rennet. It's typically aged ten days minimum. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm.