Andy Montoya
Parmigiano Reggiano, Italy's most prized and well-known cheese, is one of the most counterfeited cheeses in the world, with about $2 billion worth of fakes accounted for in just one year. The loose translation of its name to Parmesan is where things get tricky. In the United States, to be labelled as Parmesan, the cheese must be grateable, brittle, and contain certain levels of fat and moisture, and age for at least 10 months. However, this does not stop the sale of fake Parmesan, which is often produced in places like Eastern Europe or South America and sold under similar-sounding names. To ensure you're buying authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, look for dotted wording on the rind of the cheese, indicating the month and year of production. Additionally, look for the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) stamp, which indicates the cheese was produced in the small region of northern Italy, including the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Parmigiano Reggiano: milk, salt, rennet |
| Parmesan: whole milk, cream, skim milk, reconstituted nonfat dry milk, additives | |
| Aging | Parmigiano Reggiano: 12 months minimum, usually 2-3 years |
| Parmesan: 10 months | |
| Place of origin | Parmigiano Reggiano: provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia in Italy |
| Parmesan: Eastern Europe, South America, United States | |
| Rind | Parmigiano Reggiano: dotted wording indicating production details |
| Parmesan: blank rind | |
| Packaging | Parmigiano Reggiano: look for the PDO stamp and the Consortium's logo |
| Parmesan: may be packaged to look Italian, but may not be genuine | |
| Price | Parmigiano Reggiano: expect to pay around $20 per pound |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Examine the rind for dotted lettering and the PDO stamp
Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the most counterfeited cheeses in the world, with about $2 billion worth of fakes accounted for in just one year. To ensure that you are purchasing authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, it is important to examine the rind for dotted lettering and the PDO stamp.
The PDO, or Protected Designation of Origin, is a geographical indication of the European Union that designates products produced, processed, and developed in a specific region. Parmigiano Reggiano was awarded PDO status in 1996, which means that only cheese produced in the small region of northern Italy, including the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, and aged for a minimum of two years, can be labelled as Parmigiano Reggiano within Europe.
The rind of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will have dotted lettering indicating the name of the cheese, the date of production, and the seal of approval from the Consortium, which governs the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. The presence of the Consortium's seal indicates that the cheese has been inspected and approved.
In addition to the dotted lettering, the PDO stamp should also be present on the rind. The PDO logo is compulsory and indicates that the product has been produced, processed, and developed in a specific geographical area, using the recognized know-how of local producers and ingredients from the region. The PDO stamp on Parmigiano Reggiano indicates that the cheese has met the strict production standards and quality requirements specific to the region.
When purchasing Parmigiano Reggiano, it is important to look for these indicators of authenticity to ensure that you are getting the genuine product. By examining the rind for dotted lettering and the PDO stamp, you can be confident that you are purchasing authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.
Parmesan Cravings: What Your Body Is Asking For
You may want to see also
Check the ingredients list
Parmigiano Reggiano, the nutty, pungent, and salty cheese from Italy, is one of the most counterfeited cheeses in the world, with about $2 billion worth of fakes accounted for in just one year. The problem arises from the translation of Parmigiano Reggiano to "Parmesan", which is not protected by law in the United States. This means that anything can be sold as "Parmesan" in the U.S., no matter where or how it’s made, and even if it doesn’t contain any Parmesan cheese at all.
To ensure that you are buying authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, it is important to check the ingredients list. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is made using only three ingredients: milk from cows raised in the region, rennet, and salt. The milk must come from the region in less than 20 hours from cow to cheese, and the cows can only be fed food grown in the region.
On the other hand, Parmesan cheese can be made from whole milk, cream, skim milk, or reconstituted nonfat dry milk, and additives such as benzoyl peroxide, which affects the color of the cheese, are allowed.
Therefore, when checking the ingredients list, look out for any additives or preservatives. If the ingredients list contains anything other than milk, rennet, and salt, it is not authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.
In addition to checking the ingredients list, there are a few other things to look out for when buying Parmigiano Reggiano. Firstly, real Parmigiano Reggiano is always exported in whole wheels, so buying it in chunks rather than pre-grated is a better way to ensure it’s legit. Secondly, the rind of every wheel of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano is embossed with dotted letters saying the name of the cheese, date of production, and the seal of approval of the Consortium. Always buy whole pieces that still have a portion of the rind attached, so you can see the stamped letters. Thirdly, pre-packaged pieces of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will have the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal and the Consortium’s logo printed somewhere on the wrapper. Finally, distributors will cut the large wheels into smaller chunks, so look for the unique alphanumeric tracking code on the sticker or label.
Parmesan Heartburn: Why This Cheese Causes Acid Reflux
You may want to see also
Look for the producer's name
When it comes to buying authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, it's important to be vigilant. One way to ensure you're getting the real deal is to look for the producer's name.
Stevie Lee Webb, co-founder and head cheesemonger of The Cheese Shop in Carrboro, North Carolina, advises buyers to look for a specific producer, rather than just buying cheese labelled as 'Parmigiano Reggiano'. This is because the term 'Parmesan' or 'Parm' is often used as a loose translation of Parmigiano Reggiano, and these cheeses are not held to the same standards as the Italian original.
Parmigiano Reggiano is a highly regulated product in Italy, with strict production standards. It can only be made in five provinces, including Parma and Reggio Emilia, and must be aged for at least a year, though most are aged for two or three years. The milk used must come from the region and be delivered to the dairy within two hours of milking.
On the other hand, the term 'Parmesan' is not as clearly defined in the US, and there are fewer regulations surrounding its production. As a result, 'Parmesan' cheese made in the US and other places may not meet the same standards as Parmigiano Reggiano.
By looking for a specific producer, you can be more confident that you're getting cheese that meets the stringent Italian standards for Parmigiano Reggiano.
Is Parmesan Cheese Halal? What Muslims Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Be wary of cheap prices
Parmigiano Reggiano, Italy's most praised and well-known cheese, is one of the most counterfeited cheeses in the world, with about $2 billion worth of fakes accounted for in just one year.
Fake Parmesan cheeses are often produced in places like Eastern Europe or South America and sold under similar-sounding names like "Pamesello" and "Reggianito". Within the U.S., there are no regulations on what can be sold as "Parmesan", so it's important to be cautious when purchasing this cheese.
When it comes to price, it's important to remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is a labour-intensive, meticulously crafted cheese that adheres to strict production standards and is aged for a minimum of 12 months, with most being aged for two or three years. As such, it is a premium product and will be priced accordingly. If you come across Parmesan cheese that is significantly cheaper than expected, it is likely a sign that it is not the genuine article.
In the U.S., authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will typically cost around $20 per pound for a wheel slice, or nearly $1,000 for an entire 72-pound wheel. If you come across "Parmesan" cheese that is significantly cheaper than this, it is likely a red flag that it is not the real deal.
To ensure you are getting authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, it is recommended to purchase it from a reputable cheese shop or cheese program in a market. These specialists will have the knowledge and trusted suppliers to source genuine Parmigiano Reggiano. They will often offer wheel slices that keep the rind/crust on, allowing you to easily identify the cheese and verify its authenticity.
Parmesan Substitutes: Alternatives for Your Favorite Italian Cheese
You may want to see also
Buy whole pieces, not pre-grated
When it comes to Parmesan cheese, it's important to be vigilant as there are many counterfeit products on the market. To ensure you're getting authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, it's best to buy whole pieces and grate them yourself. Here's why:
Firstly, grated cheese quickly loses its flavour and moisture. By purchasing whole pieces, you can guarantee the freshness and quality of the cheese. This also allows you to experience the rich, nutty, and pungent flavours of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano at its best.
Secondly, pre-grated cheese increases the risk of adulteration. In 2012, a cheese factory in Pennsylvania was found to be selling "100% grated parmesan" that was mixed with wood pulp and cheaper varieties of cheese. By buying whole pieces, you can avoid such fillers and be confident in the purity of your cheese.
Additionally, buying whole pieces allows you to inspect the rind, which is an important indicator of authenticity. Each wheel of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano is wrapped with a stencil during the aging process, leaving permanent dotted markings on the rind. These markings indicate the month and year of production, and they include a unique alphanumeric tracking code. The rind may also feature the embossed seal of approval from the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. When purchasing, look for whole pieces with a portion of the rind attached, bearing these distinctive markings.
Furthermore, buying whole pieces helps support the traditional craftsmanship and meticulous methods employed in creating authentic Parmigiano Reggiano. This cheese has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is produced with strict standards and regulations. By purchasing whole pieces, you're investing in the preservation of this culinary heritage.
Lastly, buying whole pieces gives you greater control over the quantity and quality of the grated cheese. You can grate the exact amount needed for your dish, ensuring maximum flavour and freshness.
In summary, buying whole pieces of Parmigiano Reggiano and grating it yourself is the best way to ensure authenticity, maintain flavour and moisture, support traditional craftsmanship, and provide the best culinary experience. So, the next time you're shopping for Parmesan, remember to choose whole pieces over pre-grated options!
Is Kroger Parmesan Cheese Safe for You?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Parmigiano Reggiano is the official name for authentic Parmesan cheese. If your cheese is labelled as "Parmesan", it is likely an Italian-American adaptation of the original, which likely contains additives and has been aged for less time.
Parmigiano Reggiano is made with only three ingredients: milk from cows in the region, salt, and rennet. If your cheese contains other ingredients, such as "pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, [and] potassium sorbate", it is not authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.
Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will be labelled as "Made in Italy" and have a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) stamp. It will also have dotted lettering spelling out "Parmigiano Reggiano" on the rind, along with the date of production and seal of approval from the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.
A quality cheese shop will offer whole wheels or slices with the rind/crust still attached, allowing you to identify the markings on the rind. Look for shops that work closely with trusted suppliers to source their cheese.
Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano will likely cost around $20 per pound for a wheel slice. If the price seems too good to be true, it is probably not authentic.
