Patrick Oconnell
Grated parmesan cheese is a popular grocery item, with many brands offering their own versions. It is often sold in containers ranging from 8 to 24 ounces and can be found in the form of a shaker or plastic jar. Grated parmesan cheese is a convenient way to add flavour, texture, and taste to various dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, and more. While some people prefer to grate their own cheese, others find that the store-bought grated variety saves time and adds a similar flavour to their meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Finely grated |
| Texture | Mealy |
| Taste | Savory, salty, sharp, tangy, nutty, pungent, waxy |
| Aroma | Strong |
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What You'll Learn
Grated parmesan cheese is usually sold in shakers or plastic jars
Grated parmesan cheese is a convenient and tasty addition to any kitchen. It is usually sold in shakers or plastic jars, with a variety of sizes available to suit different needs. For those who use a lot of grated parmesan, larger containers are available, such as the 24-ounce plastic jar or the 16-ounce shaker. These options offer great value for money and are perfect for those who want to stock up on this versatile cheese.
The Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese in a 16-ounce shaker is a popular choice, praised for its rich flavor and freshness. It is made with premium-quality milk and delivers a sharp, tangy flavor to your favorite recipes. The pre-grated cheese saves valuable prep time in the kitchen and can be easily sprinkled over pasta, pizza, seafood, and salads. The shaker format ensures even distribution, making it a convenient and mess-free option for busy cooks.
For those who prefer a larger format, the Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese in a 24-ounce plastic jar is an excellent choice. This product stands out for its great value, with customers highlighting its affordability and large container size. The flavor lock cap ensures freshness, and the secure packaging makes it convenient for storage and transport. The cheese itself has a savory taste and a distinct aroma, adding flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.
In addition to these popular options, there are also smaller-sized shakers available, such as the 8-ounce cannister, which is ideal for those who want to try grated parmesan without committing to a larger quantity. Whether you opt for a shaker or a plastic jar, grated parmesan cheese is a delicious and convenient way to enhance your meals.
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It is made from parmesan cheese, part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes
Grated parmesan cheese is made from parmesan cheese, part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It is a hard, grainy cheese with a nutty, salty, tangy, and rich flavour. The cheese is aged for at least 12 months to develop its unique flavour. The ageing process also contributes to the hard texture of the cheese, which is why grated parmesan cheese is often sold in a shaker bottle.
The process of making parmesan cheese begins with milk, specifically cow's milk. The milk is partially skimmed, and a limited amount of acidity develops. This partially skimmed milk is then combined with fresh whole milk, and the fat content is adjusted to maintain the proper casein-to-fat ratio. The milk is then heated, and additional ingredients like whey and rennet are added to form the curd. Rennet is a natural enzyme derived from the lining of a cow's stomach and helps coagulate the milk.
After the curd is formed, the mass is cut into small pieces and slowly heated with gentle stirring. The rate of cooking is important to avoid excessive dehydration and "case hardening," which can result in a high moisture content in the final cheese, an undesirable characteristic for parmesan. The curds are continuously stirred during cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
Once the cheese is formed, it undergoes a lengthy ripening period, often lasting two years or more. During this time, the cheese develops its hard, grainy texture through the evaporation of moisture and high cooking temperatures. The long ripening period also contributes to the strong, lipolyzed flavour of the cheese.
Overall, the combination of part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes in grated parmesan cheese results in a hard, grainy cheese with a distinct flavour and texture that is beloved by many.
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It has a sharp, tangy, nutty, and salty flavour
Grated Parmesan cheese is a popular topping and ingredient in various dishes, known for its distinct flavour and texture. When grated, Parmesan cheese takes on a finer, shredded appearance, and its flavour is described as sharp, tangy, nutty, and salty.
The sharp and tangy notes of grated Parmesan add a bold kick to meals, enhancing the taste of pastas, pizzas, salads, and more. This cheese is also noted for its nutty flavour, adding depth and richness to dishes. The nuttiness of Parmesan is attributed to the presence of butyric acid, a key component in its distinct flavour profile.
The saltiness of Parmesan is another defining characteristic. Salt is used as an ingredient in the cheese-making process, contributing to its savoury, salty taste. This saltiness makes Parmesan a versatile condiment, pairing well with other salty foods like crackers and salami.
While pre-grated Parmesan cheese offers convenience, some people prefer grating their own cheese from a block. This allows for a customisable texture, as freshly grated Parmesan may melt differently and have a less mealy texture than pre-grated options. Grating your own cheese can also result in a more intense flavour, as pre-grated varieties may be exposed to air, potentially affecting their taste over time.
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It is used to top pasta, pizza, salads, and more
Grated parmesan cheese is a versatile topping that can be used to enhance the flavour of a variety of dishes. Its sharp and tangy flavour makes it a perfect addition to pasta, pizza, and salads. For pasta lovers, a dusting of grated parmesan cheese can take a bowl of sauced rigatoni to the next level. The thin, dainty shreds of cheese from brands like BelGioioso melt instantly, adding a rich and savoury flavour to the pasta.
When it comes to pizza, grated parmesan cheese can be a game-changer. While some people prefer shredding their own cheese, others opt for the convenience of pre-grated options like Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese. This cheese delivers a bold taste to pizzas, with its sharp and tangy notes. The anti-caking additives in pre-grated cheese may result in a slightly different melting texture, but it still enhances the overall pizza experience.
Salads, such as the classic Caesar salad, also benefit from the addition of grated parmesan cheese. The pungent, nutty flavour of anchovy paste in a Caesar salad is beautifully complemented by the savoury notes of grated parmesan. Whether it's the thin shreds of BelGioioso or the accessible and flavourful option from Buitoni, grated parmesan adds that extra something to salads.
Beyond pasta, pizza, and salads, grated parmesan cheese is incredibly versatile. It can be sprinkled on meatballs, added to seafood dishes, or used as a topping for soups and minestrone. The possibilities are endless, and grated parmesan cheese can elevate the flavour of almost any dish, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide.
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It is considered good value for money
Grated parmesan cheese is considered good value for money for several reasons. Firstly, it is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of various dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, seafood, and meats. A little bit of grated parmesan goes a long way in adding a sharp, tangy, and nutty taste to your meals.
Secondly, the convenience of having pre-grated cheese saves valuable preparation time in the kitchen. It is also often sold in large containers, which ensures that you have a good amount of product that will last a long time. This is especially beneficial for those who use grated parmesan cheese regularly and in large quantities. The option of long-term storage, such as freezing, further adds to the value proposition.
Additionally, the price point of grated parmesan cheese is generally affordable, and it is often praised for being a great value for money. Some brands, like Kraft, are well-known and trusted by consumers, delivering consistent quality and flavour at a reasonable cost.
Lastly, the nutritional benefits of parmesan cheese cannot be overlooked. It is a dense source of nutrition, and some even consider it a good sleep aid. Thus, when considering the flavour, convenience, quantity, affordability, and nutritional value, grated parmesan cheese is indeed considered good value for money.
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Frequently asked questions
Grated parmesan cheese is typically a pale yellow colour, with a fluffy, shredded texture.
Grated parmesan cheese has a strong, nutty, savoury flavour. It is often described as salty and tangy.
Grated parmesan cheese is a very versatile ingredient. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, and even desserts like cannoli. It can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
There are many brands of grated parmesan cheese available in the market, and the best one for you may depend on your personal preferences. Some popular options include Kraft, BelGioioso, and Buitoni.
Yes, you can definitely grate your own parmesan cheese using a block of parmesan and a grater. This allows you to control the texture and freshness of the cheese.
