Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) Why is it so Expensive ?

Parmesan Cheese

(Parmegiano Reggiano)

Why is it so Expensive?

*

Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese) is an Italian hard, granular cheese. The name “Parmesan” is often used generically for the same cheese made outside the traditional areas of production in Italy, although this is prohibited in trading in the European Economic Area under European law.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmigiano-Reggiano

It is named after the producing areas in Italy. Those areas comprise the provinces of ParmaReggio EmiliaBologna (only the area to the west of the river Reno), Modena (all in Emilia-Romagna), and Mantua (in Lombardy, but only the area to the south of the river Po).

Under Italian law, only cheese produced in these provinces may be labelled “Parmigiano-Reggiano”, and European law classifies the name, as well as the translation “Parmesan”, as a protected designation of origin

 

Parmesan Cheese

Parmigiano is the Italian adjective for Parma and Reggiano is the adjective for Reggio Emilia. Outside the EU, the name “Parmesan” can legally be used for the same cheese made outside this area, or for cheeses similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano, with only the full Italian name unambiguously referring to Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

In many culinary circles It has been called the “King of Cheeses” and a “practically perfect food”.

Parmigiano Reggiano – Parmesan Cheese

 

*

Parmesan cheeses are rich in umami flavors. They are generally used as a condiment for prepared foods, rather than being eaten by itself on a cheese plate.

Parmesan Cheese

 

Kraft Foods is a major North American producer of generic parmesan and has been selling it since 1945. As parmesan is a common seasoning for pizzas and pastas; many major pizza and pasta chains offer it.

 

Reggiano Parmigiano – Parmesan Cheese

*

*

Join Joanne and Frank on Facebook at

Everybody Loves Italian

and

Visit us on the web at dev.everybodylovesitalian.com