Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular, straw-coloured cheese made from cow's milk and aged for 12 months or longer. It is known for its nutty, salty, tangy flavour and is a popular topping for pasta, pizza, and soup. When choosing Parmesan cheese, it is important to consider factors such as authenticity, flavour, and convenience. Authentic Parmesan cheese from Italy will have the label Parmigiano-Reggiano and the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) designation, ensuring traditional production methods and origin. For the best flavour, it is recommended to buy blocks or chunks of Parmesan instead of pre-grated cheese, as the cheese loses its flavour when exposed to air and may contain preservatives. However, grated Parmesan is a convenient option, and organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free varieties may offer health benefits. Personal taste preferences also play a significant role in choosing the best Parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Hard, gritty, crumbly, grainy, straw-coloured |
| Taste | Rich, nutty, salty, tangy, fruity, savoury |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Age | Typically 12 months or longer |
| Origin | Italy (specifically the Parma province and Po Valley region of northern Italy) |
| Label | "Parmigiano-Reggiano" or "Grana Padano" with a DOP/PDA/AOC designation |
| Format | Block, chunk, or wedge (instead of pre-grated) |
| Brand | Sartori, Cello, Buitoni, BelGioioso, Private Selection |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right type of Parmesan for your needs
Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular, straw-coloured cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically aged for 12 months or longer, resulting in a rich, nutty, and sometimes fruity flavour. The best Parmesan cheese is made in a specific region of Italy under strict regulations, using only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. This type of Parmesan is called Parmigiano-Reggiano and has achieved Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring its authenticity and quality.
When choosing the right type of Parmesan for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
Taste and Flavour
The flavour of Parmesan can vary depending on its age. Younger Parmesan has a milder, sweeter, and nuttier flavour, while older Parmesan tends to be sharper and more complex. If you prefer a milder flavour, go for a younger Parmesan. If you like a sharper, tangier flavour, choose an older cheese.
Texture
Parmesan is known for its hard, grainy, and crumbly texture. However, the texture can vary depending on the maturation period. Younger Parmesan tends to be creamier, while older Parmesan becomes harder and more granular. Choose a texture that suits your preference and intended use.
Grated vs Block
Grated Parmesan is convenient and popular, but it may not offer the same flavour intensity as block Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often contains non-dairy ingredients and preservatives, which can affect the taste and quality. If you're looking for the best flavour, buying a block or chunk of Parmesan and grating it yourself is recommended.
Origin and Authenticity
If you're seeking authentic Parmesan cheese, look for the label "Parmigiano-Reggiano" or the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) mark, which ensures the cheese is produced in specific regions of Italy using traditional methods. This type of Parmesan may be more expensive but is known for its superior quality.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, choosing the right Parmesan comes down to personal taste. Sample different types of Parmesan to find the one that suits your flavour and texture preferences. Consider the dish you're preparing and how the cheese will complement the other ingredients. Some popular Parmesan brands include Sartori, Cello, Buitoni, and BelGioioso, each offering unique characteristics.
Parmesan Cheese: Sour Smell, Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Buying blocks or chunks over grated cheese
When it comes to choosing Parmesan cheese, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. One important consideration is whether to buy blocks or chunks of cheese or to opt for pre-grated cheese. While grated Parmesan can be convenient and popular, there are several advantages to choosing blocks or chunks instead.
Firstly, buying blocks or chunks of Parmesan cheese allows you to maximise flavour. When cheese is grated, it increases the surface area exposed to air, which can cause the cheese to lose its flavour over time. By purchasing larger pieces or whole wheels of Parmesan, you can minimise this flavour loss and enjoy a more intense and savoury flavour profile. This is especially important if you plan to use Parmesan as a snacking cheese, where flavour intensity is a key factor.
Secondly, block or chunk Parmesan offers greater flexibility in terms of portion size and shape. When grating your own cheese, you can customise the thickness and size of the shreds to suit your specific recipe or preference. For example, thin, delicate shreds of Parmesan may be preferred for melting into hot dishes like pasta, while thicker shreds or chunks could be ideal for adding texture and flavour to salads or sandwiches.
Another benefit of buying blocks or chunks of Parmesan cheese is that you can avoid the additives and preservatives often found in pre-grated cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan is typically processed with non-dairy ingredients such as modified corn starch and cellulose to prevent clumping and extend shelf life. By grating your own cheese, you have greater control over the ingredients and can enjoy a more natural, high-quality product.
Additionally, purchasing blocks or chunks of Parmesan can provide a cost-effective option in the long run. While the upfront cost may be higher, the larger volume of cheese will last longer and provide better value for money. Pre-grated cheese often comes in smaller quantities, and the added convenience tends to come at a premium.
Lastly, buying blocks or chunks of Parmesan cheese allows for better quality assurance. When purchasing pre-grated cheese, it can be challenging to assess the quality and freshness of the product. With blocks or chunks, you have the option to inspect the cheese for signs of quality, such as a hard, gritty texture and a rich, nutty aroma, before making your purchase.
In summary, while grated Parmesan can be a convenient option, buying blocks or chunks offers several advantages, including superior flavour, flexibility, control over ingredients, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to assess quality. Ultimately, the decision between grated cheese and blocks or chunks depends on your personal preferences, intended use, and priorities when it comes to this beloved Italian cheese.
Parmesan Cheese Crisps: Keto-Friendly Super Snack?
You may want to see also
Recognising authentic Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular, straw-coloured cheese made from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It is typically described as rich, nutty, salty, tangy and sometimes fruity. Authentic Parmesan originates from a specific region in Italy, and is produced under strict regulations.
To recognise authentic Parmesan, look out for the label "Parmigiano-Reggiano". This label indicates that the cheese was produced in a specific region of Italy under strict regulations, assuring high quality. In 1992, Parmigiano Reggiano achieved Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be produced in certain regions of Italy, using specific criteria and ingredients. As such, if you're looking for Italian-made Parmigiano Reggiano, purchase a wheel or wedge with the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) mark, which ensures its origin and traditional production method.
The DOP designation also ensures that the product comes from a specific geographic area and is produced using traditional methods. You may also examine the label for information on the cheese's origin, production methods, and ageing.
When shopping for authentic Parmesan, consider buying blocks or chunks of cheese rather than grated cheese. Grated cheese starts to lose its flavour when exposed to air, and often contains non-dairy ingredients and preservatives. If possible, ask for a small sample to taste the cheese before purchasing. Authentic Parmesan should have a rich, nutty aroma and a complex, savoury flavour.
In terms of specific brands, Cello Parmesan has won awards for its quality, and Sartori's Sarvecchio Parmesan has been praised by some for its superior taste compared to other varieties of Parmesan.
Parmesan Cheese: A Rich Source of Vitamin K2
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Considering health benefits
Parmesan cheese is considered a healthy food because it is easy to digest and rich in nutrients. It is also lactose-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance. The cheese is approximately 33% protein, an important source of energy, and contains all the essential amino acids that humans need in their diet. These amino acids are available in forms that are easily digested and absorbed. Parmesan also contains calcium, which is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting bone health. Just 1 ounce of Parmesan contains approximately 335 milligrams of calcium, which is about 26% of the daily recommended value for adults.
The cheese also contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to have health benefits such as potentially lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. Parmesan may also contain beneficial bacteria that could improve gut health. It is also a source of vitamin K2, which is especially high in food coming from grass-fed animals. Parmesan-producing cows graze on fresh pasture, so the cheese offers a decent amount of omega-3, which has potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving vascular function, and lowering blood pressure.
Parmesan is a healthy choice for people of all ages, including pregnant women, who should opt for hard cheeses made with pasteurized milk. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be used to add flavour to a variety of dishes, making it a good option for encouraging healthier eating. However, it is high in calories, so it should be consumed in reasonable amounts.
Parmesan Cheese Rind: Edible or Not?
You may want to see also
Parmesan substitutes
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan, there are a few options that may work depending on your preferences and what you're using it for. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Grana Padano is a hard cheese produced in northeastern Italy. It is typically aged for at least nine months and made from part-skim milk. Grana Padano has a whitish colour and a grainy texture—the Italian word "grana" means "grainy". It is less expensive than Parmigiano Reggiano but is made following strict traditional methods, using milk from free-range cows. It has a similar taste to Parmesan and is a great alternative if you're looking for something more affordable.
- Asiago, specifically Asiago d'Allevo, is a hard and crumbly cheese aged between four months and two years. It has a darker yellow colour and a sharper, nuttier flavour. You can use aged Asiago just like Parmesan—grate it on pasta or soup, melt it in the oven, or add it to salads.
- Pecorino is a hard, aged Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a sharper taste than Parmesan and a higher fat and salt content. It is a great substitute for Parmesan, but due to its saltiness, be mindful not to oversalt any dishes you make with it.
- Breadcrumbs may seem like an unconventional substitute, but they have been used by Italians as a "poor man's Parmesan" for many years. Toasted breadcrumbs, especially when cooked in olive oil infused with garlic, citrus zest, anchovies, or chilli oil, can take on most of the same notes as Parmesan.
- Nutritional yeast flakes are another option for adding umami notes to your dish. You can also mix nutritional yeast with almond meal (or other nut meals) and dehydrate the mixture to make a passable substitute for Parmesan.
- Ricotta salata is another alternative to Parmesan. It has fewer calories than more common grating cheeses, but it has a higher calorie content than fresh ricotta.
- Manchego, a Spanish cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep, can also be a good substitute for Parmesan. Fresh Manchego is soft, but aged Manchego is harder and can be used in place of Parmesan.
Can You Cut Mold Off Parmesan Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for authentic Parmesan cheese, look for the label "Parmigiano-Reggiano" or Grana Padano. This specific label of cheese is produced in a particular region of Italy under strict regulations, ensuring high quality. The cheese should have a hard, gritty, and slightly crumbly texture, with a rich, nutty aroma and a complex, savoury flavour.
Some popular Parmesan cheese brands include Cello, Sartori, Boars Head, BelGioioso, Private Selection, Buitoni, and Whole Foods. These brands offer a range of flavours and textures to suit different preferences.
Buying blocks or chunks of Parmesan cheese is generally recommended as the cheese starts to lose its flavour when exposed to air. Pre-grated versions often contain non-dairy ingredients and preservatives, affecting the taste and quality. However, if convenience is a priority, grated Parmesan is widely available and can still be a tasty addition to your dishes.
