Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese, often considered a single variety, is actually a category of cheese with several types, including Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano. Each variety has its own distinct characteristics, production methods, and regions of origin within Italy. The term Parmesan itself has a complex history and has become a generic term for certain types of cheese, especially outside of the European Union. This article will explore the different types of Parmesan cheese, their unique qualities, and the cultural significance of this iconic Italian food.
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Parmigiano Reggiano
While many cheeses can imitate Parmigiano Reggiano, only a few truly live up to the gourmet standard. It is more expensive than other varieties, but the taste and quality are far superior. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is made in a specific region of Italy with all-natural ingredients and according to a traditional method that is carefully monitored and strictly enforced by Italian laws.
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Grana Padano
Parmesan is a category of cheese, not a single variety, and Grana Padano is one of the types of Parmesan cheese. Originating in the Po Valley, Italy, Grana Padano is a hard, semi-fat, slow-ripened cheese made from raw, unpasteurized, and semi-skimmed cow's milk. It has a grainy texture and a rich, nutty flavour.
The cows are milked twice a day, and the milk produced in the evening is skimmed to remove the surface layer of cream and mixed with fresh milk produced in the morning. The partly skimmed milk is then transferred to copper kettles and coagulated. The resulting curd is cut to produce granules the size of rice grains, which gives the cheese its characteristic texture, and then warmed to 53–56 °C (127–133 °F).
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Pecorino Romano
Parmesan is a category of cheese, not a single variety. Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano are some of the types of Parmesan cheese available. This answer will focus on Pecorino Romano.
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Kraft Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a category of cheese, and there are several types, including Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano. Each type has a unique profile and distinct characteristics. One of the most well-known brands of Parmesan cheese is Kraft Parmesan.
While Kraft Parmesan may be a convenient and affordable option, it has been noted that it falls short in terms of taste and quality when compared to authentic Italian Parmesan cheeses. Some reviewers have described it as bland and lacking the creamy texture desired in pasta dishes. The shredded variety, in particular, has been known to remain grainy and fail to melt properly, resulting in a lumpy consistency.
Despite the differences in taste and quality, some people who grew up with Kraft Parmesan may still prefer it due to nostalgia and familiarity. It is often used as a topping for pizzas and pastas, where its ability to melt can be appreciated. For those seeking a more authentic and gourmet experience, investing in higher-quality Italian Parmesan cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano is recommended.
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Parmesan imitators
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the name of the cheese that is commonly referred to as Parmesan. The name Parmigiano-Reggiano is protected by European courts, which have decreed that it is the only hard cheese that can legally be called Parmesan. This is because the term "Parmesan" is simply a translation of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The use of the term "Parmesan" to refer to Parmigiano-Reggiano predates the existence of the United States by about 250 years.
Despite this, many cheeses are sold under the name "Parmesan" or with names that evoke Parmigiano-Reggiano, such as Parmezano, Real Parma, Parmezan, Parmezano, and Permesansan. These cheeses are often sold in high-end supermarkets, gourmet stores, cheese shops, and national retailers. Many of these imitation cheeses are produced in the US or South America, especially Argentina.
In the United States, the term "Parmesan" is not protected, so manufacturers can call their cheese Parmesan even if it is not produced in the Parma-Reggio area or made with traditional methods. For example, Kraft sells grated "Parmesan" cheese in the US, which cannot be legally sold under that name in Europe. However, consumers can purchase the real Parmigiano-Reggiano in the US by looking for its signature pin-prick patterns and the words Parmigiano-Reggiano embossed on the rind.
While imitation Parmesan cheeses may be cheaper, they often contain additives and preservatives that affect the taste and are not as high in quality as the real Parmigiano-Reggiano. For a more authentic Italian cheese experience, it is worth paying a bit more for Parmigiano-Reggiano or other similar cheeses like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of Parmesan cheese, including Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano.
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese produced from unpasteurized cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It has a delicate flavor with notes of milk and wild herbs and a straw yellow color.
Pecorino Romano is a sheep's milk cheese made in the Lazio and Sardinia regions of Italy. It has a fat content of 32% and is dry-salted by hand during the aging process, which takes 5 to 12 months.
A:
Grana Padano is a crumbly, grainy cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in Italy's Po River Valley region. It has a fat content of around 40% and is aged for 9 to 20 months. It is mild and milky with a subtle tangy finish.
