If you have ever walked through the cheese section of your local grocery store, you may have noticed two types of cheese that look similar but have different names: Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano. At first glance, they may appear to be the same thing, but they are actually quite different. In this article, we will explore the difference between Parmesan cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano.
What Is Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that originated in Italy. It is made from cow’s milk and has a nutty, salty flavor.
Parmesan cheese is typically aged for 12-36 months before it is sold. It is often grated and used as a seasoning for pasta dishes, salads, and soups.
The History of Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese dates back to the 13th century in Italy. It was originally made by monks in the region of Emilia-Romagna.
The monks would use leftover milk from their cows to create a hard cheese that could be stored for long periods of time. The cheese became popular throughout Italy and eventually made its way to other parts of Europe.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano?
Parmigiano Reggiano is also a hard, dry cheese that originated in Italy. However, it is only produced in certain regions of Italy – namely Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the west of the Reno River and Mantua to the east of the Po River.
It is made from cow’s milk and has a slightly sweeter taste than Parmesan cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano is typically aged for 24-36 months before it is sold.
The History of Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano has been produced since the Middle Ages in the regions of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the west of the Reno River and Mantua to the east of the Po River. The cheese is still made using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of cheesemakers. In fact, Parmigiano Reggiano is protected by law in Italy and can only be produced in the designated regions using specific methods.
The Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano
While Parmesan cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano may look similar, there are a few key differences between them.
- Production: Parmesan cheese can be produced anywhere in the world, while Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in certain regions of Italy.
- Aging: Parmesan cheese is typically aged for 12-36 months, while Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for 24-36 months.
- Taste: While both cheeses have a nutty flavor, Parmigiano Reggiano has a slightly sweeter taste than Parmesan cheese.
- Price: Due to its production process and limited availability, Parmigiano Reggiano is typically more expensive than Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while they may seem similar at first glance, there are notable differences between Parmesan cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano. While both are delicious additions to pasta dishes and other recipes, if you want to try an authentic Italian cheese with a slightly sweeter taste profile, opt for Parmigiano Reggiano. If you’re on a budget or prefer a stronger flavor profile, stick with good old-fashioned parmesan.