The Best Places To Buy Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

where to get parmigiano reggiano cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as the King of Cheese, is a highly sought-after Italian hard cheese made with raw cow's milk. It is characterised by its salty-sweet, nutty, and crumbly texture, and is traditionally crafted in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Those looking to purchase this cheese can find it at specialty grocers like Whole Foods Market, which hand-selects wheels from Italy and hand-cracks them in-store. Online retailers such as Amazon and Di Bruno Bros. also offer this cheese, providing convenience and a wide range of options for consumers. Some customers have expressed mixed opinions about the value for money, but overall, Parmigiano Reggiano is renowned for its exceptional flavour and texture, making it a beloved ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

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Amazon

One option available is the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, aged between 24 and 36 months and weighing 2.2 lbs (1kg). This cheese is described as having a full flavour and is produced in Italy. Customers praise this product for its excellent quality, with some noting that it is a great value for the price.

Another option is to purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese that has been hand-selected and hand-cracked by Amazon's team. This option allows you to choose a specific flavour profile, such as intense and complex, with nutty, sweet, grassy, creamy, and fruity notes.

When purchasing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on Amazon, be sure to check the product page for detailed information, customer reviews, and the seller's reputation to ensure you are getting a quality product.

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Whole Foods

Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as the "King of Cheese", is the number one selling cheese at Whole Foods Market. This Italian cheese has been made the same way for 1,000 years and is traditionally crafted with raw cow's milk. Whole Foods Market sources its Parmigiano Reggiano from the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, where the cheese is produced by a small group of select artisans.

Each year, the Whole Foods cheese buyer, Cathy Strange, visits these producers and chooses wheels made with evening and morning milk. The cheese wheels are selected based on the desired flavour profile, with spring milk offering herbal and floral notes, and fall milk imparting nutty and caramelised flavours. The cheese is then aged for at least 24 months to achieve its signature complex, nutty, sweet, grassy, and creamy characteristics.

At Whole Foods Market, each 85-pound wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is carefully hand-cracked in-store by trained team members using traditional tools. This age-old practice ensures that the cheese's natural curd lines are followed, optimising both aromatics and flavour. The resulting wedges of cheese are then ready for customers to purchase and enjoy.

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Walmart

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be purchased at Walmart. A 6-ounce wedge of Zanetti Imported Parmigiano Reggiano, sealed in a plastic vacuum wrap, is available at Walmart. This product is also available in a 250-gram package in Canada.

For those who prefer online grocery shopping or have transportation limitations, Walmart's online grocery platform offers a convenient way to purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese without having to visit a physical store. The ability to find specialty items like Parmigiano Reggiano at Walmart can be a pleasant surprise for customers, especially those who are passionate about cheese and appreciate finding high-quality products at affordable prices.

When purchasing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it is important to look for indicators of authenticity, such as the "Protected Designation of Origin" seal and the "Parmigiano-Reggiano" stamp on the rind. These markings distinguish the genuine product from other similar cheeses.

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Costco

The whole wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at Costco weighs 72 pounds and is imported from Italy. It is made with milk from the famous Parma and Reggio Emilio provinces in Italy, and is brushed and regularly inspected to comply with the strict standards of the Consortium Parmigiano Reggiano.

The Parmigiano Reggiano sold at Costco has the stamp of approval from the European Union's DOP (their official designation of origin) and the seal of authenticity from the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano. The Consortium scrutinizes the cheese-making recipes and practices of Italian Parmigiano Reggiano manufacturers. The Consortium's logo, which features an upright wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano next to a wedge, is printed on Costco's packaging.

The price of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at Costco is significantly lower than at other retailers. The Kirkland brand Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at Costco costs around $10.99 per pound, while other retailers sell it for up to $35 per pound.

To purchase Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Costco, you can either visit your local Costco warehouse or use their business delivery service, which offers delivery to commercial and residential addresses. However, it's important to note that the delivery service is restricted to retailers with a Costco Business membership and a valid tobacco resale license.

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Specialist cheese shops

In North America, you can find specialist cheese shops that offer a wide selection of Italian cheeses, including Parmigiano Reggiano. These stores typically source their products directly from Italy, ensuring authenticity and quality. Some popular options include Supermarket Italy, which offers an online market with a range of Parmigiano Reggiano options, including wedges, wheels, and grated cheese. Their products are aged for up to two years, and they also carry Parmigiano Reggiano with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification, guaranteeing its authenticity and traditional production methods.

In addition to online options, physical specialist cheese shops can be found in many cities and offer a similar range of options. These stores often pride themselves on sourcing their cheeses from small, artisanal producers in Italy, ensuring the highest quality. They may also offer advice on the best ways to store and serve Parmigiano Reggiano to maximize its flavour and longevity.

When shopping for Parmigiano Reggiano, it is important to look for certain indicators of authenticity. The real thing will have the words "Parmigiano-Reggiano" stamped all over the rind, along with a "Protected Designation of Origin" seal. Additionally, authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is made in a specific region of Italy, so look for information on the cheese's origin.

Some people have reported finding Parmigiano Reggiano at stores like Whole Foods, although the quality and consistency may vary. Online retailers like Amazon also offer this cheese, but be aware that the feedback on these products is mixed, with some customers questioning their value for money and flavour.

Frequently asked questions

You can buy authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Amazon, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Costco.

Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese will have a "Protected Designation of Origin" seal and the words "Parmigiano-Reggiano" stamped on the rind.

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be stored in the refrigerator by wrapping wedges tightly in wax paper or storing them in airtight containers. Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in a zip-close bag with all the air squeezed out.

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is described as salty, flavorful, and crumbly. It has a dynamic aroma and a texturally complex character with a granular bite.

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