Red Leicester Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Red Leicester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Red Leicester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
• "Is Red Leicester Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
• "How does Red Leicester Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Red Leicester Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
• "Is Red Leicester Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese better?"

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #71 out of 377 types.

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #114 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Red Leicester is not a protected cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of medium. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".

Flavor and Aroma

Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".

Appearance and Aging

Red Leicester Cheese's appearance is colored reddish-orange , is available in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and is aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a color of straw or light straw , comes in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and has an aging period of 12 to 36 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses