Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a strong, nutty flavor. It is often sold in a shaker or tub as a grated cheese, which is convenient for consumers to sprinkle over their dishes. This type of parmesan is often cheaper and less refined than the real stuff, which is known as Parmigiano-Reggiano. This variety is made in a specific region of northern Italy and has a special protected cultural status. While the real stuff is nutty, slightly fruity, and filled with savory, crunchy crystals, shaker parmesan is known for its salty and generically cheesy flavor. Colloquial names for parmesan cheese in a shaker include sprinkle cheese, shake cheese, and sawdust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Parmesan, Shaker Parm, Sprinkle Cheese |
| Texture | Dry, Fluffy, Light |
| Taste | Salty, Nutty, Cheesy, Savory |
| Use Cases | Pasta, Popcorn, Salads, Pizza |
| Storage | Refrigeration is recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Shaker parmesan is not Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a strong and nutty flavor. While Parmigiano-Reggiano is a specific type of Parmesan cheese, shaker Parmesan is not Parmigiano-Reggiano. Parmigiano-Reggiano has a special protected cultural status with strict requirements. This cheese can only be made in a specific region of northern Italy from local cow's milk and using specific historical methods. It also has to be aged for a minimum of about one year. It is considered a luxury cheese, with a nutty, slightly fruity flavor and savory, crunchy crystals.
Shaker Parmesan, on the other hand, is a more affordable and convenient option. It is often sold in shakers or tubs and can be stored at room temperature, making it easily accessible for adding a cheesy flavor to various dishes. While it may not have the same refined flavor as Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaker Parmesan has its benefits and use cases. It is perfect for adding to pasta, popcorn, or salad dressings when a strong cheese flavor is not the main focus. The light and fluffy texture of shaker Parmesan makes it cling to foods, providing a salty, cheesy boost without overwhelming other ingredients.
One of the challenges with shaker Parmesan is clumping. Due to the dehydration and fat reduction involved in the grating or shredding process, this type of Parmesan has a drier texture and is more prone to clumping. To prevent this, some people recommend refrigeration, while others suggest adding ingredients like cellulose to prevent clumping.
While shaker Parmesan may not have the prestige of Parmigiano-Reggiano, it has its place in the kitchen. It is a versatile and cost-effective way to add a cheesy boost to various dishes without worrying about overpowering other flavors or dealing with stringiness. So, while it may not be the star of the dish, shaker Parmesan can be a valuable supporting player in your culinary creations.
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Shaker parmesan is cheaper than Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a luxury cheese with a special protected cultural status. It can only be made in a specific region of northern Italy from local cow's milk and using specific historical methods. The cheese is aged for a minimum of about one year, contributing to its refined and nutty flavor. Understandably, this "real stuff" comes at a high price.
However, not all cheese labeled as "Parmesan" is true Parmigiano-Reggiano. The term "Parmesan" is more general and can refer to any hard cheese with a strong and nutty flavor, often used for topping pizzas and pastas. This type of cheese is more affordable and accessible, as it can be made anywhere and has a shorter aging process of around 10 months. It is commonly sold in shakers, either alone or mixed with other ingredients like salt or romano cheese.
Shaker parmesan, as it is colloquially known, is a convenient and cost-effective option for those who want to add a cheesy flavor to their dishes without breaking the bank. It is perfect for sprinkling over pasta, pizza, or even popcorn, providing a salty and generically cheesy taste. While it may not have the same depth of flavor as Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaker parmesan still has its merits. It is less prone to clumping due to the addition of cellulose, a common food-grade additive, and it disperses well in dressings and sauces.
The key difference between shaker parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano lies in their production methods, resulting in distinct flavors and price points. Shaker parmesan is designed to be an affordable and functional ingredient, while Parmigiano-Reggiano is a premium cheese with a more complex flavor profile. While both have their place in the culinary world, it is essential to recognize their differences and use them accordingly.
In conclusion, shaker parmesan is a convenient and economical alternative to the more expensive and prestigious Parmigiano-Reggiano. It offers a different set of advantages, such as ease of use, storage, and versatility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and tasty cheese boost without the hefty price tag of its Italian counterpart.
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Shaker parmesan is good for sprinkling on pizza
Shaker Parmesan, or "sprinkle cheese" as it is colloquially known in some parts of the Midwest, is a popular cheese product that offers a range of benefits for those who enjoy sprinkling cheese on their pizza. While it may not be the "real stuff", which is the luxurious and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaker Parmesan has its own unique advantages.
Firstly, shaker Parmesan is highly convenient. It is easy to sprinkle on pizza straight from the shaker, adding a generous amount of cheesy flavor to your slice. The light and fluffy texture of the cheese powder ensures that it clings well to the pizza, providing a consistent and even coating. This is especially useful for pizza lovers who want a hassle-free way to add extra cheese to their favorite pie.
Secondly, shaker Parmesan offers a cost-effective option for those who want to enhance the flavor of their pizza without breaking the bank. It is a more affordable alternative to the expensive, fancy cheeses while still delivering a good amount of cheesy goodness. This makes it perfect for those who are budget-conscious but don't want to compromise on taste.
Additionally, shaker Parmesan has functional benefits that enhance the overall pizza experience. The cheese powder is less prone to clumping thanks to the addition of cellulose, a common food-grade additive. This means you won't have to worry about the cheese getting lumpy and affecting the texture of your pizza. It also ensures that the cheese disperses evenly, providing a consistent flavor with every bite.
Furthermore, shaker Parmesan has a longer shelf life compared to fresh cheese due to the dehydration and evaporation involved in the grating process. This reduced fat content slows down the risk of the cheese going bad, ensuring that your pizza topping remains fresh and flavorful for longer. However, it's important to note that shaker Parmesan should still be refrigerated to maintain its quality and freshness.
While it may not have the same prestige as its Italian counterparts, shaker Parmesan holds its own as a versatile and tasty addition to pizza. Its convenience, affordability, and functional benefits make it a popular choice for those who want to elevate their pizza experience without sacrificing practicality. So, the next time you're craving a cheesy delight, don't hesitate to reach for the shaker and sprinkle some magic onto your pizza!
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Shaker parmesan is good for sprinkling on popcorn
Shaker Parmesan, or "sprinkle cheese" as it is colloquially known in some parts of the Midwest, is a versatile and convenient product. While it may not offer the same refined, nutty, and fruity flavor as the "real stuff" (Parmigiano-Reggiano), shaker Parmesan has its own distinct advantages. Firstly, it is a cost-effective option, providing a good balance of salty and generically cheesy flavors at a fraction of the price of its luxury counterpart.
One of the best applications of shaker Parmesan is as a topping for popcorn. The light and fluffy texture of the cheese allows it to cling to the popped kernels, providing a cheesy umami flavor with a hint of salt. When combined with nutritional yeast and MSG, shaker Parmesan can create the perfect popcorn seasoning. While some may argue that using expensive, high-quality Parmesan on popcorn is a waste, shaker Parmesan is an ideal, affordable option for this purpose.
Shaker Parmesan is also less prone to clumping than its more expensive counterparts due to the addition of cellulose, a common food-grade additive. This makes it even more suitable for sprinkling on popcorn, as well as other foods like salad dressings, pasta, and pizza. The fine texture of the cheese ensures even distribution, enhancing the flavor of your favorite snacks and dishes without overwhelming them.
In conclusion, shaker Parmesan is a convenient, tasty, and economical option for sprinkling on popcorn. While it may not offer the same gourmet experience as premium Parmigiano-Reggiano, its salty, cheesy flavor and functional texture make it a worthwhile addition to your pantry. So, the next time you're reaching for a snack, don't hesitate to give your popcorn a delicious upgrade with a generous sprinkle of shaker Parmesan.
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Shaker parmesan should be refrigerated
Parmesan cheese in a shaker, also known as shaker cheese or sprinkle cheese, is a popular product often purchased off the shelf at grocery stores. It is distinct from Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is made in a specific region of northern Italy and has a protected cultural status. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, can be made anywhere and has a shorter aging process.
Shaker Parmesan cheese is a convenient and cost-effective option for consumers. It adds a cheesy flavour to various dishes and has a light, fluffy texture that clings to foods like popcorn. While it may not have the refined taste of the "real stuff", shaker Parmesan has its benefits, including cost and convenience.
Now, the question arises: should shaker Parmesan be refrigerated? The answer is yes. Kraft, a popular manufacturer of shaker Parmesan cheese, advises storing its cheeses in the refrigerator at a normal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They recommend keeping the cheese at room temperature for no longer than one hour. This is because cheese, despite its dry texture, is a dairy product, and room-temperature milk is never appealing.
Refrigeration helps to preserve the quality and freshness of shaker Parmesan. While harder cheeses like Parmesan can resist bacteria longer than softer cheeses due to their drier texture, they can still be susceptible to spoilage. Proper storage is essential to prevent the fat in the cheese from going rancid or developing mould.
Some people may argue that shaker Parmesan can be left at room temperature, as it is often sold in unrefrigerated aisles. However, this is not advisable, especially in hot and humid climates, as the cheese will begin to degrade sooner. Therefore, it is best to follow Kraft's recommendation and store shaker Parmesan in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese in a shaker is commonly called "shaker Parmesan", "shaker parm", or "sprinkle cheese".
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a specific variety of Parmesan cheese that is made in a designated region of northern Italy from local cow's milk using historical methods. It is also aged for at least a year, whereas Parmesan is typically aged for about 10 months. Parmigiano-Reggiano is considered a luxury cheese with a nutty, slightly fruity flavor and savory, crunchy crystals.
Yes, shaker Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and quality. Kraft, a manufacturer of shaker Parmesan, recommends storing their product in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and keeping it at room temperature for no more than one hour.
