Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, but how can you be sure you're getting the real deal? In the United States, it's common to find grated Parmesan used as a topping, but in Italy, it's often enjoyed as a snack on its own. To get certified Parmesan cheese, look for the name Parmigiano Reggiano, which, by European Union and United States laws, can only be produced in the historical regions of Parma and Reggio in Italy's Emilia-Romagna. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is made with all-natural ingredients and is carefully monitored and strictly enforced by Italian laws. To ensure you're getting real Parmesan cheese, buy from reputable brands like Sartori, BelGioioso, and Arthur Schuman, Inc., which are known for their high-quality pre-grated Parmesan cheese. You can find these brands at specialty stores or online retailers like Amazon.com and Walmart.com.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online retailers | Amazon, Walmart |
| Grocery stores | Whole Foods Market, Frank and Sal Italian Market |
| Grated Parmesan cheese brands | Crystal Farms, Food Club, Dutch Farms, Kraft, Borden, Sargento, Cadia, Italia, BelGioioso, Great Value |
| Authentic Parmesan Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano, made in Italy |
| Other names | Parmigiano Reggiano, The King of Cheeses |
| Texture | Semi-hard, slightly firmer than aged cheddar |
| Flavor | Salty, buttery, grassy, nutty, acidic, fruity, piquant |
| Age | Minimum of 12 months, Vecchio (18 months), Stravecchio (2 years) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Online retailers like Amazon
Amazon offers various brands of Parmesan cheese, including well-known names such as BelGioioso, Kerrygold, and Kraft. Some of these cheeses are likely to be certified, but it is always good to check the label. For example, BelGioioso offers shredded Parmesan cheese that is known for its thin, dainty shreds, making it ideal for melting on hot dishes like pasta.
In addition to brand variety, online retailers provide different styles of Parmesan cheese. You can find grated Parmesan cheese, which is convenient for topping pizzas, fries, or mozzarella sticks. Amazon also offers shredded Parmesan, as well as blocks of Parmesan cheese for those who prefer to grate their own.
When purchasing Parmesan cheese online, it is essential to pay attention to the product details. Check the ingredients to ensure it is made with milk from pasture-raised cows and aged for an adequate amount of time, typically a minimum of 10 months. This aging process contributes to the depth of flavor that authentic Parmesan cheese is known for.
By exploring the options available on online retailer websites, you can read reviews and compare prices to make an informed decision about which certified Parmesan cheese best suits your needs and preferences.
Parmesan Cheese Sauce: Safe or Not During Pregnancy?
You may want to see also
Local cheesemongers
One such example is The Cheesemonger's Shop, located in the “Bavarian Village” of Leavenworth in Washington's Cascade Mountains. This shop offers a range of gourmet cheeses, including imported and domestic varieties, such as fine Swiss, Gouda, Cheddar, and blue cheese. They also carry other fine foods, such as German sausages and beers, English ales, and Washington wines. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, offering samples and guidance to help customers find the perfect cheese.
London Cheesemongers is another option, offering a two-year-old Parmesan made by a cooperative just outside Parma. This Parmesan has a soft, sweet paste and is excellent for grating or enjoying as a table cheese. London Cheesemongers provide both local London delivery and overnight national delivery services, making it convenient for customers to access their products.
In addition to these dedicated cheesemonger shops, some local grocery stores or markets may also have knowledgeable staff who can guide you in selecting the best Parmesan cheese. These stores may carry a variety of Parmesan options, including grated, shredded, or block forms, allowing you to choose the type that best suits your needs and taste preferences.
When visiting a local cheesemonger or a well-stocked grocery store, you can benefit from the expertise of the staff and the variety of options available. This can enhance your cheese-buying experience and ensure you find the perfect Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences and culinary needs.
Parmesean Cheese: A Culinary Masterpiece
You may want to see also
Specialty stores
If you're looking for certified Parmigiano Reggiano, you'll want to head to specialty stores. While you can find Parmesan at your local grocery store or online, specialty stores offer a wider selection of high-quality, aged cheeses.
At specialty stores, you can find loftier versions of Parmigiano Reggiano, with more complex flavours that make them ideal for eating on their own. Look for Vecchio, which has been aged for at least 18 months, resulting in a grassy, floral aroma and acidic sweetness. For an even more mature flavour, seek out Stravecchio, aged for a minimum of two years. These older Parmesans feature crunchy crystals and a deeply savoury, nutty flavour, along with a fruity aroma.
When buying Parmesan, it's important to distinguish between Italian Parmigiano Reggiano and American Parmesan cheese, as they are not the same. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is crafted in a specific region of Italy, namely Parma and Reggio in Emilia-Romagna, following traditional methods strictly enforced by Italian laws. This cheese is carefully monitored and undergoes individual inspection for quality, ensuring its rich, creamy body and unique texture.
To ensure you're getting genuine Parmigiano Reggiano, look for the official stamp or seal on the cheese wheel or packaging. This certification guarantees the cheese's origin and quality. Additionally, check the ingredients list to avoid additives like cellulose, a plant fibre sometimes added to grated Parmesan.
While specialty stores offer the advantage of knowledgeable staff who can guide your purchase, they may not be as readily accessible as other options. If you can't locate a specialty store nearby, consider visiting your local Italian deli or cheesemonger, where you can often find superior-quality Parmesan cheeses.
Is Coles' Parmesan Cheese Vegetarian-Friendly?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Italian restaurants
When it comes to Italian restaurants, it is important to note that authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, often synonymous with Parmesan, is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product that can only be produced in a specific region of Italy. This region includes the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua to the right of the Po River, and Bologna to the left of the Reno River.
To ensure authenticity, Italian restaurants can look for the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium's seal of approval. The Consortium inspects every wheel of cheese and stamps it with an official seal to guarantee quality standards. Additionally, true Parmigiano Reggiano will be labelled "made in" or "from" Italy and often bears the PDO seal.
When serving Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Italian restaurants can offer it in traditional ways that showcase its unique characteristics. In Italy, it is common to break the cheese into nuggets and enjoy them as-is or with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Patrons may also appreciate a cheese tasting experience, where they can learn to distinguish between the 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month aged varieties of Parmigiano Reggiano.
By sourcing and serving certified Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Italian restaurants can provide their customers with an authentic and delightful culinary experience, showcasing one of Italy's most iconic products.
The Magic of Parmesan: Unlocking Umami
You may want to see also
Reputable brands
When it comes to reputable brands of certified Parmesan cheese, there are a few names that stand out. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano and American Parmesan cheese, as they are not the same. Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano is the only type that can be produced in the neighbouring historical regions of Parma and Reggio in Italy's Emilia-Romagna, according to strict traditional methods and Italian laws. This cheese is carefully monitored and undergoes individual inspection for quality, making it a true artisanal product.
If you're looking for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, seek out brands that specialise in Italian cheeses, such as BelGioioso, which is known for its shredded Parmesan with a unique flavour and packaging that minimises waste. Another recommended brand is Sartori, which offers pre-grated Parmesan with excellent quality. Arthur Schuman, Inc. is also worth considering, as they are the largest importer of hard Italian cheeses and are known for their reliable products.
For those who prefer grated Parmesan, it's worth noting that the shelf-stable kind found in supermarkets may not offer the best flavour. However, if convenience is a priority, brands like Crystal Farms, Food Club, Dutch Farms, Kraft, Borden, Sargento, and Cadia offer grated Parmesan options. If you're open to trying pre-grated cheese, experts suggest choosing reputable brands like BelGioioso, Sartori, and Arthur Schuman, Inc., which are known for their quality.
When shopping for Parmesan cheese, it's generally recommended to prioritise the deli department, followed by the dairy case, and lastly, the aisle. This is because the quality of Parmesan can vary depending on its placement in the store. Additionally, reading the ingredient label is essential, as packaged cheeses often contain cellulose, a plant fibre derived from wood pulp. While this ingredient is FDA-approved and commonly used to prevent clumping, some consumers may prefer to avoid it.
Lastly, for a truly exceptional experience, consider seeking out specialty stores that offer aged versions of Parmesan. Vecchio, aged for at least 18 months, will provide a grassy, floral aroma and acidic sweetness. For an even more mature flavour, look for Stravecchio, aged for a minimum of two years, which boasts a deeply savoury taste and a nutty, fruity aroma. These older Parmesans develop crunchy crystals and a complex flavour profile that makes them ideal for savouring on their own.
Parmesan Cheese: Acidic or Alkaline?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Certified Parmigiano Reggiano can be purchased from specialty stores, Amazon, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market.
Parmesan cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a texture slightly firmer than that of aged cheddar. It is rich and creamy, with a unique, almost effervescent texture from the crunchy granules of calcium lactate.
Real Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, can only be produced in the neighbouring historical regions of Parma and Reggio in Italy's Emilia-Romagna. It must be matured for a minimum of 12 months to be labelled as such.
The best brand of Parmesan cheese depends on personal preference. However, BelGioioso, Sartori, and Arthur Schuman, Inc. are recommended by cheese expert Liz Thorpe for their pre-grated Parmesan. Buitoni is also praised for its salty and savoury flavour.
Parmesan cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It is recommended to wrap it in wax paper or aluminium foil, or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
