Parmigiano-Reggiano
Aged Italian cheese
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese aged at least twelve months, produced in specific regions of northern Italy under strict regulations.
The name is protected—only cheese made in designated areas using traditional methods can bear it.
It has a sharp, nutty, slightly fruity flavor that intensifies with age.
Grated over pasta, shaved onto salads, or eaten in chunks: authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano costs more but the flavor justifies it.
Often called the "king of cheeses." What Americans call Parmesan is typically a generic imitation.
Region in northern Italy
- ModenaEmilian city, sports cars
- ItalyBoot-shaped European nation
- DOPFilm's camera department head
- consortiumCooperative group for ventures
tradition · heritage · wheels · stamping · regional · terroir · Po Valley
Reduced by abrasion
risotto · salads · carpaccio · shavings · flakes · finishing · topping · garnish
Unheated, unhomogenized dairy liquid
- wheyLiquid from curdled dairy
- rennetMilk-curdling enzyme complex
- curdCoagulated milk solids
- caseinDairy phosphoprotein for industry
coagulation · cutting · molding · brining · salt bath · marking · certification · wheel
Advanced in years
- maturedDeveloped over time
- ripenedReached full maturity
- warehouseBulk goods storage building
- shelvesHorizontal storage platforms
turning · crystallization · time · patience
Fifth taste sensation
- savoryAppetizing, not sweet
- nuttyEccentric or almond-flavored
- granularMade of tiny particles
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
sharp · complex · salty · fruity · buttery · rich · depth · intensity
Made manually, not machined
- cheesemakerCurd and whey producer
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- small-batchProduced in limited quantities
- craftsmanshipSkill in making objects
skill · expertise · generations · inspection · quality control · master · guild
Emilia-Romagna
Region in northern Italy
consortium · tradition · heritage · wheels · stamping · regional · terroir · Po Valley
grated
Reduced by abrasion
pasta · risotto · salads · carpaccio · shavings · flakes · finishing · topping · garnish · cacio e pepe
raw milk
Unheated, unhomogenized dairy liquid
casein · coagulation · cutting · molding · brining · salt bath · marking · certification · wheel · drum
aged
Advanced in years
shelves · turning · crystallization · time · patience
umami
Fifth taste sensation
crystalline · sharp · complex · salty · fruity · buttery · rich · depth · intensity · crunch
handcrafted
Made manually, not machined
- cheesemakerCurd and whey producer
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- small-batchProduced in limited quantities
craftsmanship · skill · expertise · generations · inspection · quality control · master · guild
- hard cheesesRomano, Manchego, aged cheddar, Asiago, Beaufort
Parmigiano-ReggianoCamembert
Normandy commune, cheese origin
cream cheese · mascarpone · ricotta · mozzarella · cottage cheese
Parmigiano-Reggianoprocessed cheese
Manufactured dairy spread
cheese product · Velveeta · American cheese · cheese food · Cheez Whiz
Parmigiano-Reggianomild cheddar
Lightly aged dairy block
mozzarella · Swiss cheese · Monterey Jack · Muenster · provolone