If you’re a cheese lover and follow the Kosher dietary laws, you may be wondering if there is such a thing as Kosher Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese is a popular cheese variety that originates from Italy and is widely used in many recipes all over the world.
What is Kosher Cheese?
Kosher cheese refers to a type of cheese that follows the Jewish dietary laws. According to these laws, only certain animals are considered Kosher, and their milk can only be consumed if it’s produced and processed under strict supervision.
The Rules for Kosher Cheese Production
To produce Kosher cheese, the milk used must come from a Kosher animal such as a cow or goat. The equipment used in processing the milk must also be cleaned according to specific guidelines before use. Additionally, enzymes used to coagulate the milk into curds must be derived from either microbial or vegetable sources.
Is Parmesan Cheese Kosher?
Parmesan cheese is made using animal rennet, which does not comply with Jewish dietary laws. Therefore, traditional Parmesan cheese cannot be considered Kosher.
However, some producers have started making Parmesan-style cheeses that are certified Kosher. These cheeses are made using microbial or vegetable rennet instead of animal rennet. They are usually labeled as “Parmesan-style” or “Italian-style” and can be used in place of traditional Parmesan cheese in recipes.
How to Identify Kosher Parmesan Cheese
To identify whether a Parmesan-style cheese is certified as Kosher, look for the “Kosher” symbol on its packaging. This symbol indicates that the product meets strict standards set by Kashrut organizations that supervise food production.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, traditional Parmesan cheese cannot be considered as Kosher due to its use of animal rennet during production. However, there are Kosher-certified Parmesan-style cheeses available that use microbial or vegetable rennet instead. Always check the packaging for the “Kosher” symbol to ensure that the product meets Jewish dietary laws.