Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tomme du Jura Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is semi-soft 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 Tomme du Jura Cheese?

Tomme du Jura is a cow's milk cheese from the Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, sold mostly near where it is made. It is a pressed uncooked wheel with a greyish moldy crust, a paste full of small holes, and a light smell of milk.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme du Jura Cheese?

• Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Tomme du Jura Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Tomme du Jura Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Tomme du Jura Cheese (semi-soft)
• Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Tomme du Jura Cheese (natural, greyish with white molds)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Tomme du Jura Cheese (mild)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Tomme du Jura Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme du Jura Cheese brings mild character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Tomme du Jura Cheese's fruity. 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 du Jura Cheese leans toward melts on the tongue, light milky notes.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme du Jura Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme du Jura 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. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Tomme du Jura Cheese brings mild notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Tomme du Jura Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme du Jura Cheese comes from France.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Tomme du Jura Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme du Jura Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Tomme du Jura Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is mild. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Tomme du Jura Cheese is closer to fruity.

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 du Jura Cheese made of?

Tomme du Jura Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme du Jura Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is semi-soft.