If you’re a food lover, you must have heard of the famous Italian cheese, Parmesan. This hard, granular cheese is widely used in various dishes to add a savory and nutty flavor. However, with so many brands in the market selling ‘parmesan cheese,’ it’s natural to wonder if they’re all authentic.
One such brand is Kraft Parmesan Cheese. But the question is – is Kraft Parmesan Cheese real parmesan Let’s dive into this topic and find out.
What is Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, originated in Italy in the Middle Ages. It’s made from cow’s milk and aged for at least 12 months up to 36 months or more. The longer it ages, the more crumbly and nutty it becomes.
Parmigiano-Reggiano can only be produced in certain regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the west of the Reno River and Mantua to the east of the Po River.
What is Kraft Parmesan Cheese
Kraft Foods Group Inc. is an American food company that produces various food products, including cheese. One of their most popular products is Kraft Parmesan Cheese.
However, unlike authentic parmesan cheese made in Italy, Kraft Parmesan Cheese is not made from 100% pure cow’s milk. Instead, it contains cellulose powder (derived from wood pulp) as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.
The FDA permits up to 4% cellulose powder content in grated parmesan cheese sold in stores. However, some tests have shown that Kraft Parmesan Cheese contained up to 7% cellulose powder.
Is Kraft Parmesan Cheese Real Parmesan
No, Kraft Parmesan Cheese is not real parmesan cheese. It’s a processed cheese product that contains added cellulose powder and other additives.
Authentic parmesan cheese has a distinct flavor, texture, and aroma that cannot be replicated by processed cheese products like Kraft Parmesan Cheese.
So, what should you do
If you’re looking for authentic parmesan cheese to use in your recipes, look for the label ‘Parmigiano-Reggiano’ or ‘Parmesan’ made in Italy. These cheeses are made from 100% pure cow’s milk without any additives.
However, if you’re on a budget or can’t find authentic parmesan cheese in your area, Kraft Parmesan Cheese can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind that it’s not real parmesan and has added cellulose powder.
Conclusion
Kraft Parmesan Cheese is a processed cheese product that contains cellulose powder as an anti-caking agent. It’s not real parmesan cheese made in Italy from 100% pure cow’s milk.
If you want to enjoy the authentic flavor of parmesan cheese, look for the labels ‘Parmigiano-Reggiano’ or ‘Parmesan’ made in Italy. But if you’re on a budget or can’t find authentic parmesan cheese in your area, Kraft Parmesan Cheese can still add some nutty flavor to your dishes.