Parmesan cheese is a hard, sharp Italian cheese made primarily from cow's milk and aged at least 12 months
. It is produced in a strictly defined region in Italy, which includes Modena, Mantua, and part of Bologna
. The original Parmigiano-Reggiano is considered one of the world's great cheeses
. Some key aspects of Parmesan cheese include:
- Production : Parmesan cheese is made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk
. The cheese is produced within a specific region in Italy, and the official name, along with the year the cheese was made, is stenciled on the rind of the approximately 75-pound (34-kilogram) cylinders
- Aging : The cheese must be aged at least two years to develop its rich, savory flavor
. Freshly grated Parmesan has considerably more flavor than ungrated
- Usage : Parmesan cheese is often used in grated form and is consumed as a snack or after meals, as well as in cooking
. It is also used in Italy to refer to grana cheeses that don't meet the protected status of Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Varieties : One of the most notable cheeses similar to Parmesan is Grana Padano, which has a similar, nutty flavor but is a bit softer and more affordable
Parmesan cheese is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as grated on pasta dishes, salads, or as a standalone snack
. However, it is essential to note that the flavor of Parmesan cheese can vary depending on the quality and aging process
