Kamil Perry
Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and it is claimed that the state leads the pack in terms of quantity and quality when it comes to Italian cheese, including Parmesan. Wisconsin Parmesan is said to be more traditional and closer to the original recipe than genuine Parmigiano Reggiano, as it still has a black rind due to ash treatment. Wisconsin's Parmesan SarVecchio Cheese is also highly regarded as America's most decorated cheese, with a nuttier, slightly caramelly flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutty flavor | Rich, buttery, sweet |
| Artisanal | Yes |
| Aged | Minimum of 20 months |
| Gold medal winner | World Cheese Awards, Wisconsin State Fair, and many more |
| Traditional | Yes |
| Original recipe | Yes |
| Made in Wisconsin | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsin Parmesan is made the traditional way
Wisconsin is known for producing high-quality Italian cheeses, including Parmesan. Wisconsin Parmesan is made in the traditional way and is said to be closer to the original recipe than genuine Parmigiano Reggiano.
Wisconsin Parmesan is made with raw cow's milk, which is sourced from local family farms. The milk is then cultured and pasteurized, and salt and enzymes are added. The cheese is then formed into wheels and aged for a minimum of 20 months, although some producers age their cheese for over 12 months. During this time, the cheese develops a hard, dry texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour.
The traditional method of making Parmesan involves specific regulations that dictate the ingredients used, the region where it is made, and the size and shape of the wheels. This is known as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). True Parmigiano Reggiano, for example, is made with only cow's milk, salt, and rennet, and the cows' diet is also regulated. The cheese is aged for at least 24 months, resulting in a hard, pale-golden rind and a straw-coloured interior.
Wisconsin Parmesan, such as the award-winning SarVecchio, follows these traditional methods and has gained recognition for its quality. It has a nuttier, slightly caramely flavour and a dry and crumbly texture, making it excellent for grating over pasta, chicken, or salads.
While there are debates about the authenticity and quality of Wisconsin Parmesan compared to Italian Parmigiano Reggiano, it is clear that Wisconsin producers take care to create a traditional, artisanal product.
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It's regarded as America's most decorated cheese
Wisconsin is known for its high-quality Parmesan cheese, which is regarded as America's most decorated cheese. Wisconsin's Parmesan is made with care and aged in the Northwoods of the state, giving it a rich, nutty flavour. The state's cheese-making tradition dates back to 1841, and today, Wisconsin leads the pack in both quantity and quality when it comes to Italian-style cheeses like Parmesan.
One particular variety of Wisconsin Parmesan, SarVecchio Parmesan, is highly regarded as America's most decorated cheese. It has won numerous awards, including gold medals at the American Cheese Society, World Cheese Awards, the World Dairy Expo, and the Wisconsin State Fair. SarVecchio Parmesan is described as a dry and crumbly cheese that develops a nuttier and slightly caramelly flavour with age. Its firm texture makes it ideal for grating, and it pairs well with various dishes, including pasta, chicken, and salads.
The process of making Parmesan in Wisconsin follows traditional methods, including the use of black rind due to ash treatment, which some claim makes it closer to the original Italian Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano. However, it's important to note that Parmigiano Reggiano is strictly regulated by its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which specifies the region of production, ingredients, and other factors.
Wisconsin's Parmesan cheese has gained recognition for its artisanal excellence and unique flavour profile. It is made with natural ingredients, including milk sourced from local family farms, and seasoned with simple, natural ingredients. The cheese is often described as having nutty, savoury, and slightly sweet notes, making it a versatile ingredient in Italian dishes, charcuterie boards, or even as a snack on its own.
In summary, Wisconsin Parmesan, especially the SarVecchio variety, is considered America's most decorated cheese due to its numerous awards and accolades. Its traditional craftsmanship, high-quality ingredients, and distinctive flavour profile have contributed to its reputation as one of the finest cheeses in the United States.
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It's an Italian-style hard cheese
Parmesan is a hard Italian-style cheese made from cow's milk. It has a rich, nutty flavour and is often used in Italian dishes, such as grated over pasta or added to a garlic cream sauce. While the original Parmesan cheese is from Italy, Wisconsin has become known for producing high-quality Italian-style cheeses, including Parmesan. Wisconsin's Parmesan cheese is made with care and aged in the Northwoods of the state, giving it a unique flavour that is perfect for foodies.
Wisconsin's Parmesan cheese has a rich, nutty, and savoury flavour that develops as the cheese ages. It is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, and is typically aged for at least 12 months. The state's cheese makers take pride in their artisanal excellence, and their Parmesan cheese is no exception. The cheese is often vacuum-sealed to protect its integrity during transit, ensuring that it arrives fresh and ready to be enjoyed.
Wisconsin's Parmesan cheese has gained recognition for its quality and flavour, even being referred to as "America's most decorated cheese". It has won multiple awards, including gold medals at the American Cheese Society, World Cheese Awards, and the World Dairy Expo. The state's cheese makers take the time to age their Parmesan cheese properly, resulting in a product that enhances any culinary creation.
Some people even claim that Wisconsin Parmesan is more traditional and closer to the original recipe than genuine Parmigiano Reggiano. This claim is based on the fact that Wisconsin Parmesan is made with the original techniques, including the use of black rind due to ash treatment. However, others argue that the black rind on Wisconsin Parmesan is simply a decorative wax added for marketing purposes.
Overall, Wisconsin's Parmesan cheese is a delicious, Italian-style hard cheese that has gained recognition for its quality and flavour. It is a testament to the state's cheese-making expertise and a favourite among food enthusiasts.
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It's made from cow's milk
Wisconsin is known for its Parmesan cheese, which is made from cow's milk. It is an Italian-style hard cheese, with a nutty, buttery, and slightly sweet flavour. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 20 months, and its milk is sourced from local family farms. Wisconsin Parmesan is often regarded as more traditional and closer to the original recipe than genuine Parmigiano Reggiano. It is said to have a black rind due to ash treatment, which is a characteristic feature of the original Italian Parmesan.
Wisconsin leads the pack in terms of quantity and quality when it comes to Italian cheeses, including Parmesan. The state's Parmesan cheese is crafted with care and aged in the Northwoods, resulting in a rich, nutty flavour. It is perfect for enhancing Italian dishes, charcuterie boards, or even enjoyed as a snack on its own.
The milk used for Wisconsin Parmesan comes from local family farms, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. This attention to detail and dedication to tradition result in a cheese that is full-flavoured and well-regarded by cheese connoisseurs.
One particular variety of Wisconsin Parmesan is the SarVecchio Parmesan, which has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at the American Cheese Society, World Cheese Awards, and the World Dairy Expo. This cheese is known for its dry and crumbly texture, gaining a nuttier and slightly caramely flavour over time. It is excellent for grating, pairing with fresh homemade pasta, or even enjoying with sweet, juicy pears or walnuts.
Wisconsin Parmesan cheese, made from cow's milk, showcases the state's dairy excellence and contributes to its reputation as a leading producer of high-quality Italian-style cheeses.
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It's aged for at least 12 months
Wisconsin is known for producing high-quality Parmesan cheese, which is aged for at least 12 months. This lengthy ageing process is crucial to the development of the cheese's distinctive nutty, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour profile.
Aged in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the state's Parmesan cheese is crafted with attention and care. The result is a rich and nutty flavour that enhances a variety of culinary creations, from Italian dishes to charcuterie boards. The cheese's complex taste is attributed to the ageing process, which allows the flavours to intensify and mature over time.
One notable example of Wisconsin Parmesan is the SarVecchio variety, which has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at prestigious cheese awards. This Parmesan is characterised by its dry and crumbly texture, gaining a nuttier and slightly caramely flavour as it ages. The longer ageing process results in a firmer cheese that is ideal for grating, adding a unique flavour dimension to pasta dishes, salads, and more.
Wisconsin Parmesan cheese, such as the Sartori variety, is often compared to the traditional Italian Parmigiano Reggiano. Some claim that Wisconsin Parmesan is even closer to the original recipe due to its production methods and the presence of black rind, a result of ash treatment. This distinction sets it apart from its Italian counterpart, contributing to its unique characteristics and flavour profile.
The ageing process of at least 12 months is a key factor in Wisconsin Parmesan's reputation for quality and flavour. This ageing duration allows the cheese to develop its complex and savoury characteristics, making it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes and a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Parmesan cheese is made in Wisconsin. Wisconsin leads the pack in terms of quantity and quality when it comes to Italian cheese, including Parmesan.
Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and rennet. The cows' milk must be raw, and the cheese is then aged for at least 20-24 months to develop its intense, complex flavors.
Wisconsin Parmesan cheese has a rich, nutty, and savory flavor profile. It can also have slightly sweet, grassy, and fruity notes.
You can buy Wisconsin Parmesan cheese online from specialty retailers or directly from Wisconsin cheesemakers' websites.
