Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Selva Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Selva Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Selva Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Spain 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 Selva Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selva Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selva 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 is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.

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 Selva Cheese?

Selva is a soft, artisan cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Fornells de la Selva, Gironès, Spain. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The cheese features a balanced combination of bitter, buttery, and salty flavors, offering a pleasant taste experience. Its aroma is inviting, making it an appealing choice for cheese enthusiasts. With a fat content of 45%, Selva has a rich and creamy texture. This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of flavors in a soft cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Selva Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Selva Cheese (Spain)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Selva Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Selva Cheese (soft, artisan)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Selva Cheese (natural)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Selva Cheese (bitter, buttery, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Selva Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Spain
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Fornells De La Selva, Gironès
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Pasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Soft, artisan
Rind	Hard	Natural
Aging	12 to 36 months	—
Taste	Umami	Bitter, buttery, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Selva Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Selva Cheese's pleasant.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selva Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Selva 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selva 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, artisan profile, Selva Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Selva Cheese fits dishes calling for bitter, buttery, salty.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Selva Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Selva Cheese comes from Spain.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Selva Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Selva Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Selva Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Selva Cheese is bitter, buttery, salty. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Selva Cheese is closer to pleasant.

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 Selva Cheese made of?

Selva Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Selva Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan.