Grated Parmesan Cheese

About

Grated Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard, pale yellowish cheese made from raw cows milk that is sold pre-grated. It is finer than shredded Parmesan cheese. You can also grate your own and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Information

Other names: parmigiano reggiano, Dry Grated Parmesan Cheese

Translations: Rīvēts Parmesan Cheese, Tarkuotų parmezanas, Brânză parmesan ras, Ribani parmezan, Grated parmesan cheese, Tarty parmezan, Geraspte Parmezaanse kaas, Grated एक प्रकार का पनीर पनीर, Queijo parmesão ralado, Тертый сыр пармезан, Τριμμένο τυρί παρμεζάνα, جبن البارميزان المبشور, 파르메산 치즈 강판, Strouhaný parmezán, Keju Parmesan parut, Gadgad parmesan Cheese, 磨碎帕尔玛奶酪, De formatge parmesà ratllat, Nariban parmezan, Strúhaný parmezán, Parmigiano grattugiato, גבינת פרמזן מגוררת, Riven parmesanost, Рендани пармезан сир, すりおろしたパルメザンチーズ, Fromage parmesan râpé, Geriebener Parmesan, Reven parmesanost, Revet parmesanost, De queso parmesano rallado, Тертий сир пармезан, Raastettua parmesaania, Настърган пармезан

Physical Description

Fine flakes, almost powdery. Tends to clump when packed too tight.

Colors: Pale yellow, white, off-white

Tasting Notes

Flavors: Nutty, salty and buttery taste

Mouthfeel: Creamy, Sharp, Powdery, Granular texture

Food complements: Pasta, Meats like poultry and pork, Some seafood, Tomatoes, Butter, Basil, Nuts

Wine complements: White wine, Late harvest reisling, Reisling, Viognier, Cabernet sauvignon nw, Sauvignon blanc, Chianti, Dolcetto, Rioja, Barbera, Cabernet sauvignon ow, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Pinot blanc, Bordeaux, Dry rose, Bolcetto, Merlot, Syrah, Burgundy, Barolo, Amarone, Chianti classico, Barbaresco, Cotes du rhone, Gattinara

Beverage complements: Tea, Milk, Mead, Beer

Substitutes: Grated aged assiago, Grated aged pecorino romano, Grana pandano

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: Price usually correlated to quality because more expensive cheeses are aged longer or were sourced from small artisan cheese producers.

Buying: Parmesan is sold in wheels, blocks or wedges and flaked, shredded or grated. Grated cheese parmesan are readily available in any supermarket or grocery store.

Procuring: The cheese is aged for at least 12 to 16 months maximum although those made in the United States are aged for a shorter time.

Preparation and Use

Grated Parmesan cheese brings depth and richness to pasta sauces and condiments. It also adds a dimension of flavor to breaded dishes, soups, dips, pizzas, salads and cooked vegetables.

It is also excellent eaten on its own, especially as added drizzle over complementary dishes along with a little bit of virgin olive oil.

Parmesan cheese pairs greatly with poultry, pork and some seafood.

Conserving and Storing

Though Parmesan cheese can be grated for convenient usage, and even stored and be frozen for up to 6 months in the freezer, it tastes best freshly grated off the wedge. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Grated parmesan cheese will keep for a few weeks as long as they are kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Social/Political

History: Parmesan's origins trace way back beyond the 13th century. Parmesan cheese making is said to have started in Enza Valley in Italy, between the cities of Parma and Reggio Emilia. Up to date, it is still made the same way, which is 8 centuries later.