Bushra Griffith
Gran Milano is a cheese similar to Parmesan, which is often used in Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. It is a hard, crumbly-textured cheese with a nutty flavour. Gran Milano is made with unpasteurized cow's milk that is semi-skimmed and cooked and ripened slowly for at least nine months. It is often used as a topping for baked dishes or melted into sauces.
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What You'll Learn
Gran Milano is similar to Parmesan
Gran Milano is often compared to Parmesan, and some people even consider them to be the same cheese. However, there are some differences between the two. Both Gran Milano and Parmesan are Italian hard cheeses made from cow's milk. Gran Milano, or Grana Padano, is a semi-fat hard cheese with a grainy texture, while Parmesan is known for its hard, gritty texture.
Grana Padano is made from unpasteurized cow's milk that is semi-skimmed, while Parmesan is always made using raw milk. The cows are milked twice a day, and the milk produced in the evening is skimmed to remove the surface layer of cream, which is then mixed with fresh milk produced in the morning. This mixture of partly skimmed milk is then transferred to copper kettles and coagulated, forming curds with a rice grain-like texture that gives the cheese its characteristic texture. The curds are then warmed to 53-56°C (127-133°F).
The process of making Grana Padano results in a cheese that is nearly lactose-free due to the characteristics of its production and ageing process. It has a low lactose content, making it suitable for individuals who follow a gluten-free diet. Grana Padano is also known for its long shelf life and can be aged for up to two years. It is produced year-round and varies seasonally and from year to year.
While both cheeses are similar, there are some notable differences in their flavours and textures. Younger Grana Padano has a milder, less complex flavour than the longer-aged Parmesan. It is also slightly less crumbly than Parmesan. Grana Padano has a distinct, intense flavour that adds depth and richness to dishes. It is often melted and incorporated into sauces or used as a topping for pizzas or bruschetta. The hard rind of Grana Padano can also be added to soups, stews, or beans to infuse a savoury, nutty flavour.
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Gran Milano is not vegetarian
The incident at Pizza Express is not an isolated case, as evidenced by the customer's pursuit of the matter with the restaurant's head office. It is essential to recognize the seriousness of providing incorrect information about the ingredients in a dish, as it can have implications for individuals' health and ethical beliefs. The customer's experience also underscores the importance of staff training and knowledge about the dishes they are serving. It is the responsibility of restaurants and food businesses to ensure that their staff are well-informed about the ingredients and preparation of the dishes they serve to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Furthermore, the use of Gran Milano in dishes intended to be vegetarian can have cultural and religious implications. For example, individuals who follow Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, or certain sects of Christianity may abstain from consuming meat or animal products for ethical or spiritual reasons. Serving non-vegetarian food to those who have specifically requested vegetarian options can be deeply offensive to these individuals and violate their religious or personal beliefs. Therefore, it is crucial for restaurants and food businesses to have a comprehensive understanding of the ingredients in their dishes to respect their customers' diverse beliefs and values.
The issue of Gran Milano not being vegetarian also extends beyond restaurants and into grocery stores and food packaging. Clear and accurate labeling on food products is essential to ensure that consumers can make informed choices while shopping. The absence of proper labeling can lead to unintentional consumption of non-vegetarian products by vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. This issue highlights the need for strict regulations and industry standards for food labeling, holding manufacturers and retailers accountable for providing accurate information about the products they sell.
In conclusion, the case of Gran Milano underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in the food industry. Restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers have a responsibility to provide clear and detailed information about the ingredients in their products. Proper labeling and staff training are crucial to ensuring that customers can make informed choices, particularly those with dietary restrictions or ethical beliefs that influence their food selections. By prioritizing transparency and accuracy, the food industry can better serve its customers and uphold the trust placed in them.
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Gran Milano is used as a topping for pizza
Gran Milano is often used as a topping for pizza. It is a hard, crumbly-textured Italian cow's milk cheese with a pale yellow colour. The name refers to the Po Valley, where it is made. Gran Milano is similar to Parmesan but is milder, less crumbly, and less complex in flavour. It is also cheaper and has less strict regulations governing its production. The cows are milked twice a day, and the milk produced in the evening is skimmed to remove the surface layer of cream and mixed with fresh milk produced in the morning. The partly skimmed milk is then transferred into copper kettles and coagulated. The resulting curd is cut to produce granules with the size of rice grains, which gives the cheese its characteristic texture, and then warmed to 53–56 °C (127–133 °F). It is produced year-round and varies seasonally and by year. Gran Milano is nearly lactose-free due to the characteristics of its production and ageing process, which also leads to a reduction of lipids. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in baked dishes, melted into sauces, or as a topping for bruschetta. Its intense flavour adds depth and richness to any dish, and it is a popular choice for pizza due to its ability to enhance creaminess and provide a wonderful umami flavour.
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Gran Milano is used in baked dishes
Gran Milano, or Grana Padano as it is more commonly known, is a hard, crumbly-textured Italian cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. It is similar to Parmesan but with less strict regulations governing its production and a milder, less complex flavour. Gran Milano is often used in baked dishes, such as eggplant parmigiana, where it is melted and incorporated into sauces or used as a topping. Its intense flavour adds depth and richness to any dish, and it can also be used in unconventional ways, such as in desserts. For example, try grating some Gran Milano over a slice of honey-drizzled pear or apple for a unique sweet and savoury flavour combination. The hard rind of Gran Milano can also be added to soups, stews, or beans while cooking to infuse a savoury, nutty flavour.
When used in baked dishes, Gran Milano can be melted and incorporated into sauces or used as a topping. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of baked dishes, from pizzas and bruschetta to more complex dishes like the famous Risotto alla Milanese. In this creamy saffron-infused risotto, grated Gran Milano is added to enhance the dish's creaminess and to provide a wonderful umami flavour. The intense flavour of Gran Milano makes it a perfect addition to baked dishes, as it can stand up to other strong flavours and add depth and richness to the dish.
One important consideration when using Gran Milano in baked dishes is its melting point. While it can soften and become slightly melty when heated, it is important not to overheat the cheese as this can affect its texture and flavour. Proper storage is also crucial to maintaining the freshness and quality of Gran Milano cheese. Once opened, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.
Gran Milano is a popular choice for baked dishes due to its unique flavour and texture. It is also a relatively affordable option compared to other similar cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano. For those with dietary restrictions, it is important to note that Gran Milano is naturally gluten-free and has a low lactose content. However, as seen in the Pizza Express incident, it is important for staff to be knowledgeable about the ingredients used in their dishes, especially when it comes to dietary restrictions like vegetarianism.
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Gran Milano is used in unconventional ways, such as in desserts
Gran Milano, or Grana Padano as it is more commonly known, is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts. While it is often used in savoury dishes such as pizza, bruschetta, and baked eggplant parmigiana, its unique flavour profile also lends itself to sweeter applications.
When used in desserts, Gran Milano adds a savoury contrast to the sweetness of other ingredients. For example, grating Gran Milano over a slice of honey-drizzled pear or apple creates a unique sweet and savoury flavour combination that tantalises the taste buds. The cheese's intense, nutty flavour adds depth and richness to these types of fruit-based desserts.
The versatility of Gran Milano extends beyond its ability to complement sweet dishes. Its hard rind, for instance, can be added to soups, stews, or beans during cooking to infuse a savoury, nutty flavour. This technique is particularly useful for adding depth of flavour to vegetarian dishes, as the rind contributes a rich, umami taste without the need for meat or meat-based broths.
Additionally, Gran Milano can be melted and incorporated into sauces to add a creamy texture and a savoury flavour boost. This technique is commonly used in the classic Italian dish Risotto alla Milanese, where grated Gran Milano is added to a creamy saffron risotto. The cheese enhances the creaminess of the dish while also contributing a wonderful umami flavour.
In conclusion, Gran Milano is a versatile cheese that can be used in both savoury and sweet applications. Its intense, nutty flavour and hard texture make it a valuable ingredient in a variety of dishes, from pizzas and bruschetta to desserts and sauces. When used creatively, Gran Milano can elevate the flavour profile and overall appeal of a wide range of culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Gran Milano is a cheese similar to Parmesan. It is made from cow's milk and has a grainy texture.
Gran Milano has a strong, nutty, umami flavour.
Gran Milano is made from cow's milk that is partially skimmed and coagulated in copper kettles. The curd is cut into rice grain-sized pieces, heated, and then ripened slowly for at least nine months.
Gran Milano is a less expensive alternative to Parmesan. It is less crumbly, milder, and less complex in flavour than Parmesan.
Gran Milano is a versatile cheese that can be melted into sauces, sprinkled on top of pizzas or bruschetta, or used in desserts. It can also be grated over soups, stews, or beans to add a savory, nutty flavour.
