Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano?
Two distinct Italian cheeses, several useful differences and no need for an automatic winner.
Category: Cheese
Two wedges can look identical and still be different cheeses with different ingredients. Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano? starts with the full product name, because the general word Parmesan on a US package proves nothing by itself. The guide sets out what each designation declares: milk, salt and calf rennet with a minimum of 12 months for Parmigiano Reggiano, and a separate specification for Grana Padano that can include lysozyme derived from egg white. It also covers age, crystals in a matured wedge, and whether a bag of grated cheese suits your kitchen better than a piece you grate yourself. Cooked ham: read beyond the deli-counter name. applies the same reading to the meat side.
Two wedges can look identical and still be different cheeses with different ingredients. Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano? starts with the full product name, because the general word Parmesan on a US package proves nothing by itself. The guide sets out what each designation declares: milk, salt and calf rennet with a minimum of 12 months for Parmigiano Reggiano, and a separate specification for Grana Padano that can include lysozyme derived from egg white. It also covers age, crystals in a matured wedge, and whether a bag of grated cheese suits your kitchen better than a piece you grate yourself. Cooked ham: read beyond the deli-counter name. applies the same reading to the meat side.