A hard, granular cheese known for its nutty, fruity flavor and rich umami profile, Parmesan is a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine and a favorite topping for apsta, soups, and salads.
The term Parmesan often refers to cheeses made in the style of Parmigiano Reggiano, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product from specific regions of Italy. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano must be made using traditional methods and aged for a minimum of 12 months, though longer aging periods (up to 36 months or more) result in a stronger flavor and more crumbly texture.
Key traits of parmesan include:
- Color. Pale to golden yellow, deepening with age.
- Density. A hard cheese, typically sold n wheels or wedges.
- Texture. Granular and cumbly, breaking into shards when cut.
- Flavor. Nutty, fruity, and savory, with notes of umami that intensify with aging.
- Aging period. Ranges from 12 months to over 36 months for Parmigiano Reggiano, with longer aging yielding deeper flavors and drier textures.
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