Frederic Melton
Parmigiano-Reggiano, the official name for real Parmesan cheese, is a highly sought-after Italian hard cheese that can be aged for several years, developing unique flavours and aromas. While it typically has a maturation period of at least 12 months, some rare wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano have been aged for over two decades, and these older cheeses can be obtained through auctions or specialty cheese shops. This article will explore the world of aged Parmesan cheese, including where to find 50-year-old Parmesan cheese and how its extended ageing process influences its flavour profile and texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official name | Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Minimum maturation period | 12 months |
| Common maturation period in the US | 24 to 36 months |
| Common maturation period in Europe | Up to 48 months |
| Place of origin | Specific region around the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia |
| Place to purchase | Murray's Cheese in New York City |
| Storage | Refrigerate and use cheese paper to stop it from drying out |
| Flavour notes | Beef broth, umami, fruity, nutty, spicy |
| Texture | Dense, flaky, crumbly |
| Colour | Amber straw yellow |
| Aroma | Leather, underwood, truffle, smoke |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmigiano Reggiano is the official name for true Parmesan
The name "Parmesan" is used in the US for imitation Parmigiano Reggiano, and while some of these can be tasty, they are unlikely to be as complex in flavour as the real thing. If you're looking for true Parmesan, look for the name "Parmigiano Reggiano".
Parmigiano Reggiano is made from unpasteurised cow's milk. The whole milk of the morning milking is mixed with the naturally skimmed milk of the previous evening's milking, resulting in a part-skim mixture. The cheese is then aged for at least 12 months, and sometimes up to 100 months! The lengthy aging process gives the cheese its hard, pale-golden rind and straw-coloured interior with a rich, sharp flavour.
Parmigiano Reggiano has a long history, with historical documents showing that the cheese produced in the 13th and 14th centuries was very similar to that produced today. The earliest written record of this cheese is from 1254, and it was praised as early as 1348 in the writings of Boccaccio.
Today, Parmigiano Reggiano is highly regarded and has even been called the "king of cheeses". Its reputation has made it a target for organised crime in Italy, with gangs stealing shipments of the cheese to sell in southern Italy. Despite this, Parmigiano Reggiano remains a beloved and celebrated cheese, with October 27 designated as "Parmigiano Reggiano Day" by The Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Where to Find Parmesan Cheese in the Grocery Store?
You may want to see also
The cheese is made in Italy, near Parma and Reggio Emilia
Parmigiano Reggiano is the official protected designation of origin (PDO) name for true "parmesan". It is considered the "King of Cheeses", the symbol of the high quality and good taste of the Made in Italy brand. The name of Parmesan cheese comes from its producing areas: the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, the western side of Bologna, and Modena in Emilia-Romagna. The region is now known as the "Italian Food Valley" and boasts about 44 PDO products, more than any other region in Europe.
The first document mentioning a cheese made in Parma dates back to 1254. Today, the region is a popular destination for food lovers, who can visit dozens of dairies in the surrounding countryside and sample the local cuisine in nearby Michelin-starred restaurants. The small town of Bardi, just an hour outside of Parma, is known for its rich cheesemaking tradition. Parmigiano Reggiano from Bardi is aged for five years, resulting in a dense and flaky texture with notes of beef broth and umami.
While it is difficult to find 50-year-old Parmigiano Reggiano, older varieties do exist. A 21-year-old wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano was once put up for auction at the World Cheese Awards, billed as "one of the oldest cheeses in the world".
To purchase Parmigiano Reggiano, you can visit speciality shops such as ParmaShop.com, which offers a wide selection of Parmigiano Reggiano from small companies at the foot of the Apennines. You can also buy directly from dairies or producers selling online.
The Secret to Grated Parmesan Cheese Perfection
You may want to see also
Parmesan is typically aged for 12 months
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is typically aged for at least 12 months. This is the minimum amount of time required for a Parmesan cheese to earn its credentials and be considered an official product. After 12 months, the cheese is still quite tender, with a harmonious, delicate, and pleasantly sweet flavour, and hints of fresh milk, yogurt, and fresh fruit. This young Parmesan is perfect as an aperitif, accompanied by sparkling white wines, or added to salads and other cold dishes to give them a new and intense flavour. It is also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, as it contains very little lactose.
However, Parmesan cheese can also be aged for much longer periods, with some cheeses being aged for 24 months, 36 months, or even longer. As Parmesan ages, its texture becomes drier, crumblier, and grainier, and its flavour becomes nuttier and more intense, with notes of spices and dried fruit. Aged Parmesan is perfect for grating over pasta dishes or can be enjoyed on its own with honey or balsamic vinegar.
While it is typical for Parmesan to be aged for 12 months or more, it is rare to find Parmesan that has been aged for 50 years. However, there have been some exceptional cases where older Parmesan cheeses have been sold or auctioned off. For example, in 2021, a 21-year-old wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano was auctioned off at the World Cheese Awards in Spain, with the proceeds going to charity. This cheese was billed as "one of the oldest cheeses in the world" and was expected to offer unique flavours and aromas.
Although it may be difficult to find 50-year-old Parmesan cheese, there are a few options for those seeking an older, more mature cheese. One option is to look for cheeses that have been aged for a shorter but still significant amount of time, such as the 5-year-old Parmigiano Reggiano offered by Murray's Cheese. This cheese is described as having a dense, flaky texture and a bold, savoury flavour with notes of beef broth and umami. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as crumbled over a salad or paired with prosciutto and olives.
Another option is to seek out specialty cheese shops or websites that may offer older cheeses for sale. These shops may have connections to cheesemakers or access to rare or unique cheeses that are not widely available. It is worth contacting these shops directly to inquire about their selection and the possibility of sourcing a 50-year-old Parmesan cheese. While it may be a challenging endeavour, the reward could be a truly exceptional and memorable culinary experience.
Parmesan Sharpness: Is It a Sharp Cheese?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The flavour profile of Parmesan changes with age
Parmesan cheese, particularly Parmigiano Reggiano, is revered for its complex flavour profile and versatile usage in kitchens worldwide. The flavour profile of Parmesan changes with age, transforming from a mild, buttery taste to a deep, nutty flavour with hints of caramel and fruitiness. Young Parmesan is firm yet slightly pliable, allowing it to be easily grated or sliced. As the cheese ages, it becomes harder and more brittle, with a crumbly structure due to the formation of tyrosine crystals. These crystals are formed as proteins break down, creating a unique bite and texture that is sought after by connoisseurs.
The aging process, which typically extends from 12 to over 36 months, is crucial for developing the cheese's flavour and texture. During this time, enzymes and bacteria break down proteins and fats, creating complex flavours and intensifying the cheese's taste. Parmesan aged between 12 to 19 months has a buttery flavour, while those aged 20 to 24 months develop a stronger, savoury taste. Cheeses aged beyond 35 months exhibit a bold, crumbly texture with complex notes of spice and smoke.
The careful control of bacteria, temperature, and time during the aging process is essential for the development of Parmesan's unique taste and texture. Different bacteria are used to achieve the desired flavour profile. Additionally, the aging rooms are set up to maintain temperatures between 50 to 55°F, which helps to develop the signature flavour of Parmesan.
The colour of Parmesan also changes with age, deepening from a bright, pale-yellow hue to a rich golden tone, signifying its maturity. This transformation is accompanied by a concentration of the cheese's flavours, resulting in the nutty, umami-rich notes that aged Parmesan is known for.
Aged Parmesan is an irresistible addition to any gourmet pantry, offering a nutty and complex profile that elevates even the simplest dishes. Its low moisture content also gives it a longer shelf life compared to younger cheeses. The aging process also predigests proteins, making Parmesan easier to digest and versatile as a standalone ingredient or in culinary creations.
Publix Parmesan Cheese: Vegetarian or Not?
You may want to see also
You can buy 50-month Parmigiano Reggiano at Murray's Cheese in New York City
If you're looking for 50-month-old Parmigiano Reggiano, you're in luck! You can find this rare treat at Murray's Cheese in New York City. This renowned cheese shop is known for its selection of artisanal cheeses, and its 50-month Parmigiano Reggiano is a true delicacy.
Murray's Cheese is an iconic cheese shop located in the heart of New York City. Founded in 1940, it has become a go-to destination for cheese connoisseurs and gourmet enthusiasts alike. The shop sources its cheeses from around the world, but their Parmigiano Reggiano is truly something special.
Parmigiano Reggiano is often hailed as the "king of Italian cheeses". To bear this name, it must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. It is a P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese, which means its production is highly regulated and can only be produced in a specific region around the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia.
The process of crafting Parmigiano Reggiano is a labour of love. The cheese wheels are carefully crafted using traditional techniques, and the milk used comes from cows that follow a specific diet. The wheels are then transferred to an ageing facility, where they will age for at least 12 months, with the best wheels being aged even longer.
A 50-month-old Parmigiano Reggiano is a true testament to the craft of cheesemaking. With its intensely crystallized texture and deep, complex flavours, it is a cheese that demands to be savoured. When you visit Murray's Cheese, you can expect to find a cheese that has been carefully aged and selected by experts, ensuring a truly exceptional taste experience.
So, if you're a cheese enthusiast or simply looking for a unique culinary treat, a visit to Murray's Cheese in New York City to sample their 50-month Parmigiano Reggiano is well worth the trip. Remember to unpack and refrigerate your cheese upon receiving it, and enjoy the rich, savoury depth and subtle nuances that only a finely aged Parmigiano Reggiano can offer.
Best Parmesan Cheese Alternatives for Your Pasta
You may want to see also
