Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese

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

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Soumaintrain Cheese?

Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.

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

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Soumaintrain Cheese (France)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Soumaintrain Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Burgundy (Côte-D'Or And Yonne) And Aube, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Unpasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Soft, artisan
Rind	Hard	Washed
Aging	12 to 36 months	At least 21 days
Taste	Umami	Creamy

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Soumaintrain 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, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Soumaintrain Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese made of?

Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.

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

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