Frederic Melton
Stella Parmesan is a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese. It is a hard cheese with a nutty flavor, aged for over ten months. It is also known as the King of Italian Cheeses and is certified organic. The cheese is produced by Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and can be purchased on Amazon.com. Stella Parmesan is vegetarian, but it is not vegan. Some customers have expressed that the cheese is good value for money, while others have stated that it is bland and does not taste like Parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| Texture | Hard |
| Taste | Subtle, nutty |
| Origin | Domestic |
| Milk Source | Cow |
| Manufacturer | Stella |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Stella Parmesan is vegetarian
Yes, Stella Parmesan is vegetarian. This hard, nutty cheese is a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese, also known as the "King of Italian Cheeses". It is carefully aged for over 10 months to give it a distinctive flavour and hard, granular texture.
Stella Parmesan is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. It is a natural cheese and does not contain any hydrogenated fats, oils, or acids. The only fat it contains is milk fat.
Stella Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often used to top pasta, salads, and grilled vegetables. It can also be shaved over salads using a vegetable peeler.
Stella Parmesan has received mixed reviews from customers. Some find it good value for money and great for making dips or topping dishes, while others say it doesn't taste like Parmesan and is bland.
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Kraft Grated Parmesan may not be vegetarian
In 2018, a blogger contacted Kraft to inquire about the enzymes used in their Parmesan Grated Cheese. Kraft responded by stating that they only use enzymes purchased from reputable suppliers for processing their various lines of cheese, without explicitly mentioning whether these enzymes are animal or plant-based.
In 2021, another source claimed that Kraft confirmed that all of their shredded cheeses contain "animal-derived enzymes." This discrepancy highlights the challenges in determining the vegetarian status of certain cheese products.
To ensure that Kraft Grated Parmesan is vegetarian, it is essential to carefully read the ingredient list. If "lipase" is not listed, then the product is considered vegetarian, as it uses microbial rennet. However, if "lipase" is included in the ingredients, it indicates the presence of animal-derived enzymes, making the product unsuitable for a vegetarian diet.
It is worth noting that traditional Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a highly regulated cheese made in Italy with strict guidelines. This traditional variety often uses calf rennet, an enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of a calf or other milking mammal, requiring the animals to be killed for this ingredient. However, other cheeses in the larger Parmesan family, including some made by Kraft, use vegetarian rennet, also known as microbial or plant-based rennet, which is not derived from animals.
For example, Stella Parmesan, a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese, is labelled as vegetarian on cheese.com. This availability of vegetarian options demonstrates the growing trend of vegetarian-friendly cheeses, particularly in the US market.
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Stella Parmesan is a domestically produced Italian cheese
Parmesan cheese is a beloved food item for many, including vegetarians. However, it can be challenging to determine if Parmesan cheese is suitable for a vegetarian diet, as the answer depends on the specific type of Parmesan and its ingredients.
Stella Parmesan cheese is a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese, also known as the "King of Italian Cheeses". It has a subtle, nutty flavor and hard texture, similar to its classic European cousin. This variety of Parmesan is crafted through an aging process that spans over ten months, resulting in a distinctive flavor that complements dishes like pasta, salads, and grilled vegetables.
The discussion around the vegetarian status of Parmesan cheese revolves primarily around the use of rennet, an enzyme used to clot milk and separate curds from whey. Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano, the style of cheese that Parmesan is modeled after, uses animal-derived rennet, specifically from the inner lining of calf stomachs. This type of rennet is not suitable for vegetarians. However, it's important to note that not all Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet.
In the United States, many brands produce Parmesan cheese without animal rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians. Stella Parmesan, as a domestically produced variety, may fall into this category. However, it is essential to check the ingredients and look for vegetarian-friendly labels or certifications to confirm.
While some sources indicate that certain brands, like Kraft Grated Parmesan, use microbial rennet, which is vegetarian, they may occasionally contain lipase, an animal-derived ingredient. Therefore, it is crucial to scrutinize the labels and ingredient lists to ensure that the Parmesan cheese aligns with one's dietary preferences and restrictions.
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Stella Parmesan is available on Amazon
Stella Parmesan is a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese. It is subtle and nutty with a hard texture, just like its classic European cousin. It is also known as the "King of Italian Cheeses" and perfectly complements dishes like pasta, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Stella Parmesan is suitable for vegetarians, but it is not vegan. When purchasing Parmesan cheese, it is important to check the ingredients list and look for animal-derived enzymes or rennet, which are not suitable for vegetarians. Some brands, such as Kraft, have confirmed that their shredded cheeses contain animal-derived enzymes, while others like Trader Joe's and Kroger offer grated Parmesan that is suitable for vegetarians.
Amazon provides a convenient option for purchasing Stella Parmesan cheese, allowing customers to enjoy its distinctive flavor and enhance their favorite dishes. However, as with any product, it is always recommended to read the reviews and verify the suitability of the product for one's individual needs and preferences.
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Stella Parmesan is made from cow's milk
Stella Parmesan cheese is a domestically produced version of the famous Italian cheese. It is known as the "King of Italian Cheeses" and is often used to complement dishes like pasta, salads, and grilled vegetables.
The process of making Stella Parmesan cheese involves the use of microbial rennet, which is a type of enzyme that can be produced by microorganisms. Microbial rennet is commonly used in cheese production as a vegetarian alternative to animal rennet, which is derived from the stomachs of calves, lambs, or goats.
While Stella Parmesan is made with microbial rennet, it is important to note that some customers have mentioned that the cheese developed mold within a few days of opening, despite being sealed securely. This could be due to the high moisture content in the cheese, providing an ideal environment for mold growth.
Overall, Stella Parmesan cheese, made from cow's milk, is a popular choice for those seeking a vegetarian option to complement their dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stella Parmesan cheese is vegetarian.
Stella Parmesan cheese is made of pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes.
Stella Parmesan cheese can be bought on Amazon. It is also available nationwide in most grocers' deli or dairy cases.
You can use a vegetable peeler to shave Stella Parmesan cheese directly over salads. It can also be used to complement and enhance dishes like pasta and grilled vegetables.
Stella Parmesan cheese has a subtle, nutty flavor and a hard texture.
