Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan Cheese is a hard, fat, granular cheese that is cooked and not pressed, like other types of cheese found in the world. The term ‘parmesan’ is used in English language, while the original term for the cheese is Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is named after the producing areas of Parma, Modena, Bologna, Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna, and Mantova, in Lombardy, Italy. Parmesan is used as a common term for cheeses, duplicating true Parmesan cheese, especially outside Europe. In Europe, the name parmesan has been graded as a protected designation of origin.

Parmesan Cheese is made from raw cow's milk. Usually, cows have to be fed only on grass or hay to get grass-fed milk, which is necessary for making this type of cheese. The authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has a sharp, complex fruity taste and a little gritty texture. Parmesan cheese starts becoming significantly harder, the farther it gets from its center and is extremely hard near the crust. However, this harder portion doles out the best-grated cheese, which is more aromatic and tasty than the cheese grated from the softer portions. Let us explore more on this type of cheese.

Uses of Parmesan Cheese 

Amount of Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup

Total Weight of Parmesan Cheese: 100 g 

 Buying & Storing Tips

 

The markets are virtually flooded with parmesan cheese, but remember not all of it is original and pure. A characteristic of Parmesan cheese is that it is slightly hard and grainy in texture, with a straw-yellow color. Made from cow’s milk, the cheese lasts for about 12 to 16 months. Coming to the taste, the perfect Parmesan cheese would have a nutty, salty and buttery taste. The cheese is sold in various forms, including wheels, blocks or wedges, flaked, shredded and grated.

 

At times, the price of Parmesan cheese dedicates its quality, i.e. the higher the price, the better the quality. Storing Parmesan cheese is extremely easy. All you need to do is put it in a refrigerator shelf. In case of Parmesan cheese block or chunk, make sure that it is wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper and placed in a zip-lock plastic bag in the refrigerator. As for shredded Parmesan cheese, the best bet would be to store it in an airtight container.