Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Scotland 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.

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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Strathdon Blue Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Scotland
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Tain, Scotland
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Pasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Semi-soft, blue-veined
Rind	Hard	—
Aging	12 to 36 months	—
Taste	Umami	Creamy, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Strathdon Blue 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese leans toward tangy.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Strathdon Blue 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-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?

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

Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.