What To Know
- Parmesan cheese is often used as a topping for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes, while Asiago cheese is often used as a table cheese, a melting cheese, or an ingredient in pasta dishes.
- Parmesan cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese with a nutty, salty flavor, while Asiago cheese is a smooth, buttery cheese with a mild, nutty flavor.
Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese produced in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua in Italy. It is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least 12 months, with some wheels being aged for up to 36 months. Parmesan cheese has a hard, crumbly texture and a nutty, salty flavor. It is often used as a topping for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes.
Asiago Cheese: The Versatile Cheese
Asiago cheese is a semi-hard cheese produced in the province of Asiago in Italy. It is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least 30 days, with some wheels being aged for up to 2 years. Asiago cheese has a smooth, buttery texture and a mild, nutty flavor. It is often used as a table cheese, a melting cheese, or an ingredient in pasta dishes.
Parmesan Cheese vs Asiago Cheese: A Comparison
- Flavor: Parmesan cheese has a nutty, salty flavor, while Asiago cheese has a mild, nutty flavor.
- Texture: Parmesan cheese is hard and crumbly, while Asiago cheese is smooth and buttery.
- Aging: Parmesan cheese is aged for at least 12 months, while Asiago cheese is aged for at least 30 days.
- Uses: Parmesan cheese is often used as a topping for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes, while Asiago cheese is often used as a table cheese, a melting cheese, or an ingredient in pasta dishes.
Which Cheese is Right for You?
The best cheese for you depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a hard, crumbly cheese with a nutty, salty flavor, then Parmesan cheese is a good choice. If you prefer a smooth, buttery cheese with a mild, nutty flavor, then Asiago cheese is a good choice.
Parmesan Cheese and Asiago Cheese Recipes
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Parmesan Risotto
- Parmesan Cheese Fondue
- Asiago Cheese:
- Asiago Cheese Dip
- Asiago Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Asiago Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Parmesan Cheese and Asiago Cheese Nutrition
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 9 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Asiago Cheese:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 8 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
Parmesan Cheese and Asiago Cheese Health Benefits
- Parmesan Cheese:
- High in calcium and protein
- Good source of vitamins A, B2, and B12
- May help to lower blood pressure
- Asiago Cheese:
- High in calcium and protein
- Good source of vitamins A, B2, and B12
- May help to improve bone health
Parmesan Cheese and Asiago Cheese Fun Facts
- Parmesan Cheese:
- The average wheel of Parmesan cheese weighs 80 pounds.
- Parmesan cheese is often used as a currency in Italy.
- Parmesan cheese is said to have been first produced in the 12th century.
- Asiago Cheese:
- Asiago cheese is named after the Asiago Plateau in Italy.
- Asiago cheese is often used in risotto dishes.
- Asiago cheese is a popular ingredient in pasta dishes.
The Verdict: Parmesan Cheese vs Asiago Cheese
Parmesan cheese and Asiago cheese are both delicious and versatile cheeses. Parmesan cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese with a nutty, salty flavor, while Asiago cheese is a smooth, buttery cheese with a mild, nutty flavor. Both cheeses are high in calcium and protein and are good sources of vitamins A, B2, and B12. Parmesan cheese is often used as a topping for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes, while Asiago cheese is often used as a table cheese, a melting cheese, or an ingredient in pasta dishes. The best cheese for you depends on your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Parmesan cheese and Asiago cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese with a nutty, salty flavor, while Asiago cheese is a smooth, buttery cheese with a mild, nutty flavor.
2. Which cheese is better for cooking?
Parmesan cheese is a good choice for cooking because it melts well and has a strong flavor. Asiago cheese is also a good choice for cooking, but it does not melt as well as Parmesan cheese.
3. Which cheese is better for eating on its own?
Asiago cheese is a good choice for eating on its own because it has a mild, nutty flavor that is not overpowering. Parmesan cheese can also be eaten on its own, but it has a stronger flavor that some people may find to be too salty.
