Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is firm to smooth and made from cow 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 Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Vorarlberger Alpkäse is an Austrian hard cheese made from raw milk on the alps and Vorsäße of Vorarlberg. It holds a protected designation of origin, weighs up to 40 kilograms, and tastes mild young and piquant with age.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Firm to smooth)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (At least 3 months)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese (Mild, becomes sharp with increasing age)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Province Of Vorarlberg |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Untreated, raw, non-thermised, non-pasteurised, not sterilised by centrifugation |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Firm to smooth |
| Rind | Hard | Dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | At least 3 months |
| Taste | Umami | Mild, becomes sharp with increasing age |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese brings mild, becomes sharp with increasing age character. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese at at least 3 months.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vorarlberger Alpkäse 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 firm to smooth. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese brings mild, becomes sharp with increasing age notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vorarlberger Alpkäse 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 firm to smooth profile, Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, becomes sharp with increasing age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese at least 3 months.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is mild, becomes sharp with increasing age.
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 Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (untreated, raw, non-thermised, non-pasteurised, not sterilised by centrifugation), using not genetically engineered rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Vorarlberger Alpkäse Cheese is firm to smooth.