Andy Montoya
Grated parmesan cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient used in a variety of dishes. It is typically sold in shaker containers, ready to sprinkle on pasta, soups, salads, and more. While the term parmesan is often used to refer to the hard Italian cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano, outside of Italy, it can refer to any type of parmesan-style cheese. When buying grated parmesan, it is important to distinguish between real Italian parmesan and other similar cheeses, as they differ in terms of flavour, texture, and production standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Hard, granular |
| Colour | White |
| Flavour | Nutty, salty, rich, fruity |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Age | Minimum of 12 months |
| Country of origin | Italy |
| Substitutes | Romano cheese, Kraft Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Grated Parmesan cheese colour
Grated Parmesan cheese is typically white in colour. It is a hard, granular cheese with a nutty, rich, and slightly fruity flavour. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and its richness depends on the length of the aging period. Parmesan is made from cow's milk, and the term "Parmesan" is used to refer to the hard Italian cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano.
While Parmesan cheese is typically sold in blocks, shredded, or grated, the grated variety is convenient for sprinkling on pasta, soups, salads, and other dishes. It can be purchased pre-grated in containers or grated at home using a block of Parmesan and a grater. The pre-grated variety may contain additives to prevent caking and extend shelf life, while freshly grated Parmesan offers a more authentic flavour.
The colour of grated Parmesan cheese can vary slightly depending on the aging process and the type of milk used. For example, Parmesan cheese made in Wisconsin may have a slightly different colour or flavour compared to traditional Italian Parmesan. Additionally, the term "Parmesan" can be used more broadly to refer to similar cheeses made outside of Italy, which may have unique characteristics.
It is worth noting that the quality and authenticity of grated Parmesan cheese can vary significantly. While pre-grated options like Kraft Parmesan offer convenience, they may not provide the same flavour and texture as freshly grated Parmesan. The presence of additives and preservatives in pre-grated cheese can also affect its taste and melting properties. Therefore, when seeking authentic grated Parmesan cheese, it is advisable to opt for freshly grated options or choose products labelled as "Parmigiano-Reggiano" to ensure they meet the standards and production methods of traditional Italian Parmesan.
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Grated Parmesan cheese texture
Grated Parmesan cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. When grated, Parmesan cheese takes on a fine texture, perfect for sprinkling and melting into foods. The cheese is typically aged, contributing to its granular consistency and its complex, nutty flavour.
While the term "grated Parmesan cheese" may evoke the image of a fine, powdery substance, the reality is that this cheese possesses a slightly coarser texture. This is due to the natural hardness of the cheese itself, which lends a satisfying bite to dishes even after grating. The size of the grated particles can vary depending on the grating tool used and the preferences of the chef.
The texture of grated Parmesan cheese is distinct from that of shredded Parmesan cheese, which resembles thin strips of cheese similar to shredded mozzarella. Grated Parmesan cheese is also different from the whole form, which is typically sold as a solid block. The grated variety is often preferred for its convenience and ability to be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes.
It is worth noting that the quality of grated Parmesan cheese can vary significantly. Freshly grated Parmesan from a block of cheese will have a superior texture compared to pre-grated options. Pre-grated Parmesan may include additives to prevent caking, which can result in a mealy texture when melted. Additionally, the exposure of pre-grated cheese to air can cause the fats to go rancid, negatively impacting the taste and texture over time.
When choosing grated Parmesan cheese, it is advisable to opt for freshly grated options or purchase a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. This ensures the best texture and flavour, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly and retain its characteristic nuttiness. Whether sprinkled on pasta, soups, or salads, grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch to numerous culinary creations.
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Grated Parmesan cheese taste
Grated Parmesan cheese has a complex, nutty, rich, and slightly fruity flavour. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and the longer the aging period, the richer the flavour. Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk, and the milk used is from cows that eat fresh grass and hay, which contributes to the flavour. The cheese is salty, and the saltiness can vary depending on the brand and the aging process. The texture of the grated cheese is hard and granular, which makes it perfect for grating over pasta, soups, and salads.
The term "Parmesan" refers to the hard Italian cheese "Parmigiano-Reggiano", but outside of Italy, it can refer to any type of Parmesan-style cheese. For example, in America, "Parmesan" is used to describe a similar cheese made to different standards and regulations. Some people suggest that the best way to get finely grated "Parmesan" is to buy a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. This ensures that you are getting real Parmesan cheese, as the pre-grated versions can be made with additives and anti-caking agents, which can affect the taste and texture.
Some brands of grated Parmesan cheese, such as Kraft, are made with pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate to protect the flavour. These additives can affect the taste and texture of the cheese, making it noticeably different from freshly grated Parmesan. The anti-caking additives, in particular, can make the cheese mealy and cause it to melt differently.
Overall, grated Parmesan cheese has a distinct, nutty, salty, and fruity flavour that can enhance the taste of many dishes. The quality and taste of the cheese can vary depending on the brand, the aging process, and the additives used.
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Grated Parmesan cheese uses
Grated Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a hard Italian cheese with a granular texture and a complex, nutty flavour. The cheese is salty, which makes it last longer, and it is often sold grated in a shaker container. Grated Parmesan is commonly used as a topping for pasta, polenta, risotto, soups, and salads. It can also be used as an ingredient in pasta sauces, such as a simple butter, garlic, and cream sauce.
In addition to being used as a topping or ingredient, grated Parmesan cheese can be used to create Parmesan crackers. These are made by forming small piles of the cheese on a lined baking sheet, adding herbs, spices, or other seasonings, and baking at a medium-high heat until melted. Once cooled, these can be stored in an airtight container.
Another use for grated Parmesan is in stuffed mushrooms. The cheese is combined with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and olive oil, and stuffed into the mushroom caps before baking. Grated Parmesan can also be used in artichoke dip, combined with mayonnaise, chopped artichokes, and garlic powder.
When a recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese, it is generally recommended to grate the cheese yourself from a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano, as the pre-grated versions may not be authentic Parmesan and can have a different flavour or texture. However, some people find it more convenient to use the pre-grated variety, especially when it comes to sprinkling over dishes like pasta, pizza, or salads.
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Grated Parmesan cheese alternatives
Grated Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a nutty, salty, and tangy flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its complex, deeply savoury taste. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months, contributing to its rich flavour. While Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, there are several alternatives that can be used in similar ways:
Dairy Alternatives
- Pecorino Romano or Romano Cheese: This is an aged Italian cheese with a similar hard, granular texture to Parmesan, making it perfect for grating over pasta, soups, and salads. It has a stronger, saltier flavour than Parmesan, so a smaller amount is needed to achieve a similar taste.
- Halloumi: While softer and less crumbly in texture, halloumi provides a similar salty flavour and can be grated over dishes as a substitute for Parmesan.
- Feta: Feta is saltier than Parmesan and may not melt as well, but it will add an intense boost of flavour to your dish.
- Goat's Cheese: This is a tangier, creamier, and less salty option that will add some cheesy goodness to your meal. However, goat's cheese doesn't melt in the same way as Parmesan, so it may not be ideal for cooked dishes.
- Comté: This French cheese is slightly softer than Parmesan but can easily be grated and used in its place. It adds a savoury umami flavour to your dishes.
- Asiago: This Italian cheese, like Parmesan, is made with cow's milk. However, Asiago comes in various ages, with young Asiago being aged for a minimum of 2 months, resulting in a different flavour profile.
- Grana Padano: This cheese is produced in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is considered similar to Parmesan. It is a cheaper alternative and can be found in UK supermarkets.
- Cotija: A Mexican cheese that shares many qualities with Parmesan, including a similar melt, saltiness, and texture. Grated Cotija can be hard to distinguish from Parmesan.
- Hard Cheese: In the UK, supermarkets sell generic "hard cheese" as a cheap alternative to Parmesan.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Breadcrumbs: Italians have long used toasted breadcrumbs, or "poor man's Parmesan," as a substitute for the expensive Parmigiano-Reggiano. Breadcrumbs can be made from crusty bread, olive oil or butter, and flaky salt. They add a salty, crunchy, and oily element to your dish.
- Sea Salt Flakes: While lacking the visual and textural qualities of grated cheese, sea salt flakes will provide a salty burst of flavour to your meal.
- Salted Capers: These can be used to sprinkle over your dish, adding a salty element similar to grated Parmesan.
- Olives: A handful of olives can be used as a dairy-free and vegan alternative to Parmesan, adding a savoury burst of flavour.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These will add a burst of sweetness to your dish instead of a salty hit.
- Roasted Almonds: For a different flavour and textural profile, roasted almonds can be used to add crunch and flavour to your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Grated parmesan cheese is sold in thin strips of white cheese.
Parmesan cheese has a complex flavour profile that can be described as nutty, rich, briny, and slightly fruity.
Shredded parmesan cheese is made up of thin strips of cheese, similar to mozzarella cheese. Grated parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is made up of smaller particles of cheese.
