Kamil Perry
Dry grated parmesan cheese is a convenient, pre-grated alternative to freshly grated parmesan. It is a popular topping for pasta, garlic bread, pizza, soups, and vegetables. While it is a time-saving option, some people believe that it lacks flavour compared to freshly grated parmesan. Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, dry cheese made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk. It has a rich, sharp flavour and a straw-coloured interior. In Italy, parmesan is known as grana, which refers to its granular texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Zesty |
| Texture | Dry, granular |
| Colour | Pale-golden rind, straw-coloured interior |
| Region | Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, Modena, Parma |
| Production Time | Months |
| Age | At least two years |
| Grating Tools | Microplane, box grater, food processor |
| Storage | Refrigerated, wrapped in paper |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Freshly grated vs pre-grated
When it comes to Parmesan cheese, there are two main options: freshly grated and pre-grated. So, which is better? Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is made from a block of Parmesan that is grated just before being used. This means that the cheese is at its freshest and has the most intense flavour. When a recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese, it typically implies freshly grated Parmesan, which is considered superior in terms of flavour and texture. The real Parmigiano Reggiano should be wrapped in paper for storage and kept in the fridge. It has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. However, it can be expensive, and one must invest in a good grater to grate the cheese themselves.
On the other hand, pre-grated Parmesan cheese, such as the popular Kraft Parmesan, is a convenient option that saves time and effort in the kitchen. It comes in a shaker bottle or thin sheets wrapped in plastic, making it easy to sprinkle over your favourite dishes. Pre-grated Parmesan is typically made with authentic Parmesan cheese that has been aged for 10 months or more, adding a zesty flavour to your meals. However, some people argue that the quality of pre-grated Parmesan is inferior to that of freshly grated, and it may contain additives to improve texture and prevent caking.
While freshly grated Parmesan may be the preferred choice for those seeking authentic flavour and quality, pre-grated Parmesan has its advantages in terms of convenience and accessibility. Ultimately, the decision between freshly grated and pre-grated Parmesan depends on personal preferences, budget, and the desired level of convenience.
It is worth noting that the term "Parmesan" is technically a designation for cheese produced in the Parma region, and similar cheeses from outside this area, such as those from Wisconsin, are referred to as "grana" in Italy.
Parmesan Cheese: Friend or Foe for Vegetarians?
You may want to see also
Parmigiano-Reggiano
The cheese is known for its unique flavour, aroma, and texture, and is considered a superfood by some nutrition and fitness experts due to its high nutrient content, including calcium, vitamins, and other minerals. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is made in a specific region of Italy, with all-natural ingredients, and according to traditional methods that are carefully monitored and enforced by Italian laws. The name "Parmesan" is often used to describe imitation cheeses produced outside of Italy, particularly in the United States, where 90% of "Italian-sounding" cheeses are produced domestically.
When purchasing Parmigiano-Reggiano, look for the official seal, the name "Parmigiano-Reggiano" written on the side, and dots on the outer rind. The cheese should be wrapped in paper for storage and grated just before use to ensure freshness.
Parmesan Cheese: Safe Treat or Feline Danger?
You may want to see also
Kraft parmesan
Dry grated Parmesan cheese is a convenient alternative to freshly grated Parmesan. It is often sold in shaker bottles to maintain freshness and is a popular topping for pasta, pizza, salads, soups, and vegetables.
Kraft sells a product labelled as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese", which is available in an 8 oz shaker bottle. While it is made from real cheese, it is not considered authentic Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is a regulated term in the European Union. In the United States, the term "Parmesan" is not regulated, allowing Kraft to label its product as such.
Kraft's grated Parmesan cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate (a preservative). While it is produced similarly to authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, the difference in location affects the final product. Some people who grew up with Kraft's product may still prefer it, even when presented with higher-quality alternatives.
When a recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese, it is generally recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-grated Kraft product. Freshly grated Parmesan has a superior taste and authenticity. Additionally, true Parmesan cheese should be wrapped in paper for storage, whereas the Kraft product is typically packaged in cling wrap.
Fish Cakes: Parmesan Cheese, Yes or No?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grana Padano
The cows are milked twice a day. 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.
The processing and ageing procedures of Grana Padano result in a cheese that is high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, with nine essential amino acids, and is highly digestible. It is also nearly lactose-free due to the characteristics of its production and ageing processes, which also lead to a reduction of lipids. A 100-gram serving of Grana Padano contains 398 kilocalories (1,666 kJ).
Parmesan Cheese: A Vegetarian-Friendly Option?
You may want to see also
Storing grated parmesan
Grated Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on how it was stored at the supermarket. If it was refrigerated at the supermarket, it should be stored in the fridge at home. If it was stored on a shelf at the supermarket, it can be stored in the pantry at home.
When storing grated Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to use an airtight container to prevent spoilage. Properly stored, an opened package of grated Parmesan cheese will last for about one week in the refrigerator. Once the package is opened, consume or freeze the cheese within the time shown for refrigeration.
If storing grated Parmesan cheese at room temperature, it should be kept in the driest and coolest spot in the pantry. The product will stay in pristine shape this way for up to a month or more. However, grated Parmesan cheese is more prone to molding than a wedge of Parmesan cheese due to its larger surface area.
Freezing is also an option for storing grated Parmesan cheese. It can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen grated Parmesan cheese can last up to a year in the freezer and can be added directly to pasta, soups, and stews without thawing.
Parmesan Cheese: Melty or Stringy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dry grated Parmesan cheese is a convenient alternative to freshly grated Parmesan. It is often sold in shaker bottles or cardboard tubes and can be stored for long periods without spoiling. However, it may not offer the same flavour or quality as freshly grated Parmesan.
Grating your own Parmesan cheese allows you to enjoy better flavour and texture compared to pre-grated options. You can use a Microplane, box grater, or food processor to grate Parmesan. Grating it finely and freezing it is a convenient way to preserve the cheese and have it ready for recipes.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a specific variety of cheese produced in Italy, following strict criteria and regulations. It is made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk and aged for at least two years, resulting in a hard, dry cheese with a rich, sharp flavour. In the US, the term "Parmesan" is not regulated, and it often refers to imitation or inspired versions of Parmigiano-Reggiano. While some of these may be tasty, they generally lack the complexity of true Parmigiano-Reggiano.
