All About Parmigiano-Reggiano

ByLydia Lane, 08/27/2014

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Parmigiano- reggiano or as we like to call it in the United States, Parmesan cheese, is a nutty flavored hard cheese originating in Italy. It is light yellow in color and is made from grass fed cow’s milk.

How to pick it

Only true Italian Parmigiano- reggiano can be called such, so if a cheese is labeled Parmigiano it is a true Italian cheese. Cheeses similar to parmesan are romano and pecorino.

How to store it

After purchasing your parmigiano be sure to store it in the refridgerator. Monitor that it is is well sealed. Unsealed parmigiano- reggiano can dry out or absorb the smells of your refrigerator, something you definitely want to avoid!

How to prepare it

Parmigiano- reggiano cheese can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served raw on a cheese platter, shaved over beef Carpaccio, pasta and salad. Hard leftover Parmigiano- reggiano rinds can also be tossed into soups adding salt and umami flavoring to the dish.

Recipes

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Mushroom Risotto

Chicken Parmesan Farfalle

Tips

You can use a hollowed out parmesan rind as a serving dish!

Fun Facts

Like Champagne only Parmigiano- reggiano from specific regions of Italy can be considered true Parmigiano- reggiano cheese. Those region include Parma, Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Modena and Mantova.

Chef Tips and Tricks

Three Cheese Baguette

You'll drool over this 3 cheese, bacon-wrapped baguette.

INGREDIENTS

Blue cheese
Cheddar cheese
Mozarella
1 baguette
Sun-dried tomatoes
Bacon

METHOD

Cut your cheeses into thin slices
Slice baguette down the middle (like a sandwich)
Layer cheddar, blue, and mozarella cheese inside the bread
Top with sun-dried tomatoes
Close baguette and wrap with bacon strips
Put in oven and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees
Slice and serve!