Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Toma Piemontese Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is elastic / consistent and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Toma Piemontese is the Piedmont version of Toma, a cow's milk cheese that runs from soft to semi-hard and melts well. It is the variety that carries protected designation of origin status under EU legislation.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Toma Piemontese Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Toma Piemontese Cheese (pasteurized or whole)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Toma Piemontese Cheese (Elastic / Consistent)
• Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Toma Piemontese Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Toma Piemontese Cheese (15 days (small), 60 days (large))
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Toma Piemontese Cheese (Mild, sweet / Savory, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Toma Piemontese Cheese brings mild, sweet / savory, salty character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Toma Piemontese Cheese's mild odor with milk and cream characteristics / strong and persistent. 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 Toma Piemontese Cheese leans toward dough-white or ivory-white with milk and cream characteristics / yellowish with a savory flavor. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Toma Piemontese Cheese at 15 days (small), 60 days (large).

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Toma Piemontese 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 elastic / consistent. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Toma Piemontese Cheese brings mild, sweet / savory, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Toma Piemontese 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 elastic / consistent profile, Toma Piemontese Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Toma Piemontese Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet / savory, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Toma Piemontese Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Toma Piemontese Cheese 15 days (small), 60 days (large).

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Toma Piemontese Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is mild, sweet / savory, salty. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Toma Piemontese Cheese is closer to mild odor with milk and cream characteristics / strong and persistent.

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 Toma Piemontese Cheese made of?

Toma Piemontese Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or whole). It's typically aged 15 days (small), 60 days (large). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Toma Piemontese Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is elastic / consistent.