Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk.

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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

Tomme des Pyrénées is a mild pressed cheese from the French Pyrenees, made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its supple paste, slightly salty taste, and the black or gold wax skin that covers many wheels.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

• Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Cow's milk, goat's milk, mixed milk (cow's milk with ewe's milk or goat's milk, goat's milk with ewe's milk))
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens)
• Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Orange with hints of white, yellow, or grey; black or gold coating for heat-treated milk cheeses)
• Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese brings varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese's fresh whey to more pronounced aromas. 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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese leans toward not excessively bitter. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese at minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese brings varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées 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, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens profile, Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese fits dishes calling for varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is closer to fresh whey to more pronounced aromas.

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 Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese made of?

Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (heat-treated or raw), using coagulating enzyme (not limited to animal rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens.