Have you ever wondered why they put sawdust in Parmesan cheese? This may sound like an odd question, but it’s a common one that many people have asked. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

First off, let’s start with what Parmesan cheese is. Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese made from cow’s milk.

It originated in Italy and is also known as Parmigiano Reggiano. It has a strong, nutty flavor and is often used in pasta dishes, salads, and as a topping for pizza.

Now, back to the question at hand – why do they put sawdust in Parmesan cheese? The truth is that they don’t.

At least not anymore. In the past, some less reputable cheese makers would add cellulose (which can be derived from wood pulp) to their grated Parmesan cheese to increase profits. Cellulose is a common food additive that acts as an anti-caking agent and helps prevent the cheese from clumping together.

However, this practice was exposed by the FDA in 2016 when they found that some grated Parmesan cheeses contained up to 8% cellulose. This led to several high-profile lawsuits against companies who were using cellulose as a filler.

So if there’s no sawdust in Parmesan cheese, why does this myth persist? It could be because of the texture of grated Parmesan cheese itself.

When you grate Parmesan cheese, it becomes powdery and can resemble sawdust or wood shavings. However, rest assured that what you’re eating is still pure cheese.

When buying grated Parmesan cheese, it’s important to read the label and look for brands that don’t contain any fillers or additives. You can also buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself at home for an even fresher taste.

In conclusion, while there may have been some unscrupulous cheese makers in the past who added fillers like cellulose to their grated Parmesan cheese, this practice has been exposed and is no longer common. So rest assured that your Parmesan cheese is made from pure milk and doesn’t contain any sawdust.