Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. It is typically sold in blocks, shredded, or grated, with each form serving a different purpose. Shredded Parmesan, in particular, is a convenient option for those seeking a quick way to add flavour to their meals. This variety of cheese is usually produced in factories and is often coated in an anti-caking agent, such as cornstarch, to prevent shreds from clumping together. While it may not melt as well as freshly grated cheese, shredded Parmesan still offers a convenient and tasty option for busy cooks looking to add a burst of flavour to their dishes.
Characteristics and Values of Shredded Parmesan Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Shredded parmesan cheese resembles thin strips of white cheese, like mozzarella cheese. |
| Taste | Bold, nutty flavor with notes of crushed apple |
| Ingredients | Cultured milk, salt, enzymes, cellulose, natamycin, potato starch |
| Preservation | Anti-caking agents like cornstarch or cellulose prevent the cheese from retaining moisture and caking |
| Shelf Life | Shorter shelf life than grated cheese due to the absence of preservatives |
| Use Cases | Perfect for sprinkling on soups, baking in gourmet breads, and adding flavor to vegetables, meats, pastas, and salads |
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What You'll Learn
Anti-caking agents
Some common anti-caking agents used in shredded Parmesan cheese include:
- Potato starch: This is one of the most commonly used anti-caking agents in shredded cheese. Potato starch helps to absorb moisture and keep the cheese shreds separated. However, it can also affect the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly or mealy.
- Cellulose: Cellulose is a derivative of wood pulp or plant fibres and is often used as an anti-caking agent in the dairy industry. It is chemically treated to create a microcrystalline powder that prevents the cheese from clumping together and helps it flow freely, especially when dispensed from a shaker. While cellulose is safe to consume and commonly used, some consumers have filed lawsuits against cheese manufacturers for false advertising, as they claim the presence of cellulose and other additives misrepresents the product as "100% grated Parmesan cheese".
- Calcium sulfate: This mineral compound is also used as an anti-caking agent in shredded cheese and can affect consumer acceptance at higher application rates.
- Corn starch: When combined with potato starch and calcium sulfate, corn starch can be used as an anti-caking agent in shredded cheese.
While the use of anti-caking agents in shredded Parmesan cheese is common and regulated, some consumers prefer to grate their own cheese to avoid these additives and maintain the texture and taste of the cheese.
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Cellulose, natamycin, and potato starch
Shredded Parmesan cheese is a convenient option for those short on time and is perfect for sprinkling on pizzas and quesadillas. However, it may contain additional ingredients such as cellulose, natamycin, and potato starch, which are not found in freshly grated cheese. These additives serve a specific purpose and offer certain benefits to consumers.
Cellulose is a type of fibre commonly found in plant cell walls. It is often used in shredded cheese as an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese from clumping together and forming a solid mass. This additive helps to maintain the shredded texture and extends the shelf life of the product.
Natamycin, also known as pectacon, is a natural antifungal agent. It is produced by certain bacteria and is commonly found in soil. Natamycin is added to shredded Parmesan cheese to inhibit the growth of mould and ensure the product remains fresh for a longer period. This additive is particularly useful in preventing the growth of moulds that can produce toxins and spoil the cheese.
Potato starch, derived from potatoes, is often added to shredded Parmesan cheese as a thickening agent. It helps to absorb moisture and keep the cheese dry. By doing so, it prevents the cheese from caking and clumping together. Potato starch also contributes to a longer shelf life and helps maintain the texture and quality of the shredded cheese.
While these additives offer functional benefits, they may be undesirable to those seeking a more natural or pure form of the product. Freshly grated cheese is generally considered better quality as it contains only cheese and no additional ingredients. It melts better and is preferred for dishes where cheese is the star ingredient, such as mac and cheese or queso dip.
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Fresh vs. canned
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is considered better quality than pre-shredded Parmesan as it melts better and contains no additional ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan is also more versatile and can be used in creamy and cheesy dishes such as mac and cheese or queso dip. Freshly grated Parmesan is also recommended for recipes that call for "freshly grated" cheese.
On the other hand, shredded Parmesan is more convenient and has a longer shelf life than its freshly grated counterpart. It is also cheaper than grated Parmesan. However, shredded Parmesan may contain additional ingredients such as cellulose, natamycin, and potato starch to prevent caking and moisture retention.
The choice between fresh and canned Parmesan ultimately depends on the specific use case and personal preferences. If convenience and shelf life are priorities, then canned Parmesan may be preferred. However, if better quality, meltability, and fewer additional ingredients are important factors, then freshly grated Parmesan is the better option.
It is worth noting that the production process and ingredients of shredded Parmesan can vary between different brands. For example, the shredded Parmesan brand BelGioioso uses only three ingredients: cultured milk, salt, and enzymes. Other brands may use different combinations of anti-caking agents and preservatives. Therefore, it is always important to read the ingredient list and nutritional information when purchasing shredded Parmesan cheese.
In terms of flavor and aroma, freshly grated Parmesan is known for its sweet, nutty flavor and tantalizing aroma, especially when aged for an extended period. For example, the BelGioioso brand ages their Parmesan wheels in special caves for over 10 months, resulting in a unique flavor and aroma. Canned Parmesan may have a less intense flavor and aroma due to the presence of additional ingredients and the lack of aging or maturation processes.
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True Parmesan
Shredded Parmesan cheese resembles thin strips of white cheese, like mozzarella. It is often coated in an anti-caking agent, such as cornstarch, to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the package. Some shredded Parmesan may also contain cellulose, natamycin, and potato starch to further reduce moisture retention and caking.
BelGioioso, a brand of shredded Parmesan, is made with fresh milk collected daily from local farmers. Their cheese is aged for over 10 months in special caves, where master cheesemakers carefully inspect and hand-turn each wheel to ensure a consistent aging process. This ageing process is what gives Parmesan its signature sweet, nutty flavour and tantalising aroma.
To be considered a true Parmesan cheese, it must be made from cow's milk and aged for a significant period, typically 10 to 12 months. This ageing process enhances the cheese's flavour and texture, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Versatility
Parmesan cheese is one of the most versatile cheeses, and its shredded form is no exception. Shredded parmesan can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavour to almost any meal. Its thin strips of white cheese can be sprinkled on soups, mixed into salads, or baked into gourmet breads. It can also be used to enhance the flavour of meats, pastas, and vegetables.
Shredded parmesan is a convenient option for those short on time, as it can be quickly tossed onto a pizza or quesadilla. It is also a great choice for those who don't want to grate their own cheese. While freshly grated cheese is considered higher quality, shredded parmesan has the advantage of being coated in anti-caking agents, which prevent the cheese from clumping in the package and retaining moisture. This gives it a longer shelf life than grated cheese, as long as it is refrigerated after opening.
The versatility of shredded parmesan also extends to its ability to be substituted for grated parmesan in recipes. While grated parmesan is typically called for in recipes, shredded parmesan can be used as a substitute in most cases. This makes it a handy ingredient to have in the kitchen, as it can be used in a variety of dishes and is easily interchangeable with grated parmesan.
Shredded parmesan is also versatile in terms of its ingredients. While traditional parmesan is made from cow's milk, shredded parmesan can be made from a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, Edam, or cheddar. This allows for variations in taste and texture, making it even more adaptable to different dishes.
The versatility of shredded parmesan cheese makes it a valuable ingredient for cooks and food lovers alike. Its convenience, flavour, and adaptability make it a popular choice for enhancing the taste of both simple and complex dishes. Whether sprinkled, tossed, or mixed, shredded parmesan adds a delicious touch to a wide range of culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded parmesan cheese is parmesan that has been shredded in a factory and is usually coated in an anti-caking agent to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the packaging.
Parmesan cheese is made from cow's milk from cows that eat fresh grass and hay.
Shredded parmesan cheese resembles thin strips of white cheese, similar to mozzarella cheese.
Grated parmesan cheese is usually done at home with a grater and is not coated in any anti-caking agents. Shredded parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is shredded in a factory and is often coated in an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.
The general rule is that freshly grated parmesan cheese is of better quality, as it has no additional ingredients and melts better. However, if you are short on time, bagged shredded parmesan cheese is a convenient alternative.
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