Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan cheese is one of the most popular and top-selling cheeses worldwide. However, many people have never tasted real Parmesan, as the term Parmesan is not regulated in the same way as its Italian equivalent, Parmigiano Reggiano. In the US, any cheese can be sold as Parmesan as long as it has a firm, brittle, and grateable texture. This has led to the rise of fake Parmesan cheeses, often produced in places like Eastern Europe or South America, and sold under similar-sounding names. To ensure you're getting the real deal, look for the Parmigiano Reggiano label and check the rind for pin-dot writing spelling out Parmigiano Reggiano.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Ingredients | Milk, salt, and rennet |
| Texture | Firm, brittle, full of tiny, crunchy crystals |
| Taste | Deep, nutty flavors |
| Aroma | Bold, toasty, and fruity |
| Age | Minimum of 12 months |
| Region | Emilia-Romagna and some parts of Lombardy |
| Rind | Pin-dot writing stamped into it |
| Packaging | Red and yellow DOP label |
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What You'll Learn
Check the rind for pin-dot writing
Checking the rind for pin-dot writing is a reliable way to ensure you are buying authentic Parmigiano Reggiano. This is the real deal, not the impostor products often sold as "parmesan".
Parmigiano Reggiano is a protected term in Italy and the European Union. It can only be made in specific regions of Italy, using traditional methods. So, when you see the pin-dot writing on the rind, spelling out "Parmigiano Reggiano", you know you have a cheese that has been made according to these strict standards.
The pin-dot writing is not just a decorative feature. It is an official mark of authenticity. Every wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is checked by experts after a year of ageing. They tap the cheese with a hammer, listening for imperfections. If the cheese passes this test, it receives an oval mark on the outer rind, confirming it as genuine.
So, when you see the pin-dot writing, you know you have a cheese that has passed this rigorous test. It is a sign of quality and a guarantee of the traditional methods used to produce it.
When buying Parmigiano Reggiano, always look for a piece of the rind to ensure you are getting the real thing.
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Avoid pre-grated cheese
In the United States, any cheese can be sold as Parmesan as long as it has a firm, brittle, and grateable texture. The term "Parmigiano Reggiano", on the other hand, is strictly protected by Italian regulations and can only be used for cheese made in specific regions of Italy using traditional methods. This makes it harder to find authentic Parmigiano Reggiano that has been pre-grated.
Firstly, the texture of real Parmigiano Reggiano changes over time once exposed to air, so it is not ideal for pre-grating and packaging. Secondly, grated cheese loses its flavour and moisture quickly, so it is always better to buy whole pieces and grate them yourself. This also ensures that you are getting the real deal, as only grated cheese can be adulterated with wood shavings and other fillers. In 2016, a FDA investigation found that some "100% Parmesan" products contained no real parmesan, and were instead using fillers like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and wood pulp-derived cellulose.
While you can buy pre-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano at some gourmet stores, it is harder to find and there is an even bigger chance that you will end up with imitation cheese. If you want to buy pre-grated cheese, you can go to the deli counter of your local supermarket and ask them to grate it for you.
If you want to ensure that you are getting real Parmigiano Reggiano, it is best to buy a whole piece of cheese and grate it yourself. This way, you can look for the official marks of authenticity, such as the pin-dot writing on the rind or the red and yellow DOP label on the packaging.
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Check the packaging
When it comes to checking the packaging of Parmesan cheese, there are several key indicators of authenticity to look out for. Firstly, the original Parmesan cheese from Italy is called Parmigiano Reggiano, which indicates its origin in the northern Italian region of Reggio Emilia. This name is strictly protected by Italian regulations, so if the packaging uses this full name, it's a good sign. Additionally, look for the consortium's logo and authorisation, which indicates that the cheese complies with the strict rules set by the consortium for bearing the "Parmigiano Reggiano" name. The consortium's logo usually includes the letters "DOP", which stands for "Denominazione d'Origine Protetta" in Italian, indicating that it is a product of protected origin.
Another important aspect to check on the packaging is the ingredients list. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is made with only three simple ingredients: milk (produced in the designated regions of Italy and less than 20 hours from cow to cheese), salt, and rennet (a natural enzyme from calf intestine). If the ingredients list includes additional ingredients like cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, or cheese cultures, it is not genuine Parmigiano Reggiano.
Furthermore, when buying pre-packaged Parmigiano Reggiano, look for the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal, which indicates compliance with European regulations for protected geographical status. The packaging should also bear the Consortium's logo, as every wheel of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano is inspected and approved by the Consortium. Additionally, look for a lot or batch number stamped on the packaging, as each piece of genuine PDO Parmigiano Reggiano is marked with a unique identifier.
In summary, when checking the packaging of Parmesan cheese for authenticity, look for the full name "Parmigiano Reggiano", the consortium's logo and authorisation, the PDO seal, the Consortium's logo, and a lot or batch number. Additionally, verify that the ingredients list contains only milk, salt, and rennet, with no additional fillers or preservatives. These indicators will help ensure that you are purchasing authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
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Assess the texture
When it comes to Parmesan cheese, texture is a key indicator of authenticity. Real Parmigiano Reggiano, as it is known in Italy, is characterised by a firm, brittle texture, with a grainy snap when broken apart. This distinctive texture is the result of tiny, crunchy crystals that form naturally as the cheese ages. These crystals are derived from an amino acid called tyrosine and are a hallmark of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano.
On the other hand, fake Parmesan tends to be noticeably softer and smoother, lacking the aged, crumbly texture of its authentic counterpart. This is because Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and sometimes up to two years, allowing for the development of its signature texture and deep, nutty flavour. The texture of fake Parmesan, which is often produced in places like Eastern Europe and South America, simply cannot match the complexity of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano.
When purchasing Parmesan, it is advisable to opt for whole pieces rather than pre-grated cheese. This is because grated cheese can be adulterated with wood shavings, and it also loses its flavour and moisture more rapidly. By choosing a whole piece of cheese, you can inspect the texture yourself. Look for that signature grainy, brittle texture, which is a telltale sign of the ageing process that characterises real Parmigiano Reggiano.
In addition to texture, there are other sensory cues that can help identify authentic Parmesan. A genuine block of Parmigiano Reggiano should be full of tiny holes, which are gas pockets that form during the ageing process. These holes contribute to the overall texture of the cheese, ensuring it is not too dense or compact. Furthermore, the aroma of real Parmigiano Reggiano is bold and distinctive, with notes of toastiness and fruit, setting it apart from the generic salty smell of mass-produced imitations.
While texture is a critical indicator, it is not the only factor to consider when assessing the authenticity of Parmesan cheese. Packaging, origin, and labelling all play a role in distinguishing genuine Parmigiano Reggiano from its imitations. However, by understanding the unique texture that authentic Parmesan should possess, you are well on your way to becoming a discerning cheese connoisseur.
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Trust your taste buds
Parmigiano Reggiano, commonly known as Parmesan, is one of the most famous cheeses in the world. However, it is regularly counterfeited, especially in the United States. While the full name, Parmigiano Reggiano DPO (protected denomination of origin), is protected in the US, the problem lies in the loose translation, "Parmesan". In the US, to be labelled as "Parmesan", the cheese must be grateable and brittle, contain certain levels of fat and moisture, and be aged for at least 10 months. However, there are no regulations on where it is made or what it contains, so it may not be real Parmigiano Reggiano.
If you want to ensure you're getting real Parmigiano Reggiano, it's best to buy a whole piece and grate it yourself. Grated cheese can be adulterated with wood shavings, and it loses its flavour and moisture quickly. It's also important to look for the official stamp of Parmigiano Reggiano on the rind, as this is a mark of authenticity. The rind should also be firm, brittle, and full of tiny, crunchy crystals. Fake Parmigiano Reggiano tends to be too smooth and soft, lacking the aged, crumbly bite of the real thing.
If you can't see the rind, you can still use your senses to determine whether the cheese is real Parmigiano Reggiano. Real Parmigiano Reggiano has a bold, toasty, and fruity aroma, while mass-produced Parmesan smells like generic salty cheese. It should also have a deep, nutty flavour, which fake Parmesan can't match. If you're ever in doubt, try tasting a small piece to see if it lives up to your expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
Real Parmesan cheese is called Parmigiano Reggiano and is made in specific regions of Italy. If you're buying pre-cut wedges, make sure they have a piece of the rind attached, which should be embossed with the words "Parmigiano Reggiano". The cheese should also be firm, brittle, and full of tiny, crunchy crystals.
The rind of real Parmesan cheese will have pin-dot writing spelling out "Parmigiano Reggiano" repeatedly across the surface. It will also have an oval mark with the caption "Parmigiano-Reggiano Consorzio di Tutela".
While you can buy pre-grated Parmesan cheese, it is more likely to be imitation. Real Parmesan is usually sold in whole wheels or chunks, so it's best to buy it in this form and grate it yourself.
Real Parmesan cheese has a bold, toasty, and fruity aroma, and a deep, nutty flavor. It is also described as having an umami-boosting quality.
In the US, any cheese can be sold as Parmesan as long as it has a firm, brittle, and grateable texture. However, Parmigiano Reggiano is a specific type of cheese that must be made in certain regions of Italy using traditional methods and ingredients.
