Jane Network-Life is art, your life is your masterpiece. : Italy grocery: Parmigiano Reggiano, King of Cheese & Original Parmesan cheese

Q: Why carry all the way from Italy when I can get Parmesan cheese here right ?

Authentic traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is govern by Italian law, made in specific region of Italy & follow a very specific recipe to provide authentic Italian taste. It's not labelled as Parmesan cheese that's typically found in Asian supermarket.

Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan?:

Do u know in Italy trademark law, only cheese made in Italy according to a specific recipe are allow to be labelled as “Parmigiano Reggiano”?

Parmigiano Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan cheese can be made anywhere else with no recipe restrictions

In simple words, Parmesan label is an imitation of the real Parmigiano Reggiano.

Why buy Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy?:

Italy law, DOC (Denominazione di Origine controllata) is a rule governing production of Parmigiano Reggiano. It specifies how and where it's produced.

Similar to the rules governing production of Champagne / tequila. It has to be produced in provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua / Bologna in Italy, follow a very specific recipe to receive official seal.

Italian cheeses have denominazione di origine protetta ("protected designation of origin (PDO)", or DOP), status under European Union regulations. This is a legislation is designed to protect regional foods & names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. Cheese with PDO certification has an orange yellow certified tag.

Why PDO?:

product quality / properties are significantly & exclusively determined by the geographical environment (natural, human factors, production, processing & preparation)

to receive the PDO status, the entire product must be traditionally & entirely manufactured within specific region to acquire unique product properties.

Aging/ maturity:

different maturity stages & recognized by aging seals given at 18 months, 24 months and 30 months.

40 mesi = 40 months (aging)

Aging determines flavor intensity. A well-aged cheese will be more flavorful, less creamy and grainier in texture.

Paring:

Parmigiano Reggiano can use cooking

most typical pairing is with honey or balsamic vinegar from Modena.

also pair with walnuts, zesty pear, champagne / sparkling wine.

Taste:

Parmesan taste more acidic & saltier.

Parmigiano Reggiano are deeply rich & with nutty flavor.

Bag of pre-grated cheese or hard cheese by hand?:

Hard grating cheeses have low moisture contents & more shelf-stable. Frequently they are aged for multiple years. Pre-grated cheese in bag tends to stick together over time in fridge.

firmer in texture & melts more smoothly.

worth more. with the same weight, cheese block will yield more grated shred compare to pre-grated cheese.

So, it’s not just a cheese that u can just get it here. Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of cheese, the price tag is higher but once u taste the real deal, u’ll never want to go back to the cheese with Parmesan label. It’s sounds a little crazy to travel with a piece of certified cheese but both of us just enjoy it this way.
-the information provided is based on personal experiences & reference materials during purchase