Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Stichelton Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Stichelton Cheese is creamy and made from cow milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Stichelton Cheese?

Stichelton is an English blue cheese made in Nottinghamshire from unpasteurised cow's milk and calf rennet. It is made the way Blue Stilton once was, but since Stilton's protected status requires pasteurised milk, it took an older spelling of the village name instead.

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

• Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Stichelton Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Stichelton Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Stichelton Cheese (Creamy)
• Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Stichelton Cheese (Blue)
• Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Stichelton Cheese (Around 12 weeks)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Stichelton Cheese (Complex)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Stichelton Cheese brings complex character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Stichelton 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 Stichelton Cheese leans toward rich, creamy, varies by season. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Stichelton Cheese at around 12 weeks.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Stichelton Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Stichelton 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 creamy. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Stichelton Cheese brings complex notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Stichelton Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Stichelton Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Stichelton Cheese around 12 weeks.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Stichelton Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Stichelton Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Stichelton Cheese?

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

Stichelton Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional animal rennet. It's typically aged around 12 weeks. It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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

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