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Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Tête de Moine Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese the same?"
- "How does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese better?"
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview
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.
Tête de Moine Cheese Overview
Tête de Moine, meaning "monk’s head," is a Swiss cheese made from cow's milk. It is traditionally shaved into rosette-shaped slices using a girolle. The cheese has a firm texture and a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and nutty undertone, ideal for elegant cheese platters.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Tête de Moine Cheese originated from Switzerland.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996). Tête de Moine Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Tête de Moine Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky". Tête de Moine's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky". Tête de Moine Cheese has a nutty taste. Tête de Moine's aroma can be described as "rich".
Appearance and Aging
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's appearance is colored straw or light straw , is available in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and is aged 12 to 36 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard and uses calf rennet.
Ranking
Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Tête de Moine is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano | Tête de Moine | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Parmigiano Reggiano and Tête de Moine pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996) | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Minimum 32% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Hard | Not Specified |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Umami | Nutty |
| Aroma | Mild, Milky | Rich |
| Colors | Straw or light straw | Not Specified |
| Forms | Cylindrical, slightly convex sides | Not Specified |
| Age | 12 to 36 months | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Calf rennet | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a grainy, flaky cheese, go for Parmigiano Reggiano. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Tête de Moine might be the better pick. Parmigiano Reggiano has a umami taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tête de Moine offers a nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
