Parmigiano Reggiano – the only Parmesan

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, or ‘Parmesan’, is a mature, nutritious cheese with a rich, fruity flavour and a flaky and slightly grainy texture. It is still hand-made today by artisans just as it was nine centuries ago by the Benedictine Monks.

It is produced primarily in the Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena regions of Italy, as well as the Mantua on the right bank of the river Po and Bologna on the left side of the river Reno. This is known as the protected area of origin; respected and protected environments.  A PDO stamp is fire-branded onto the rind of the cheese to confirm the authenticity of the cheese as a product of the area of origin.

Regular controls are carried out on the milk used in the making of Parmigiano Reggiano to ensure that its quality is as it should be, and its special characteristics are preserved. Parmesan is a purely natural and nutritious product, without additives or preservatives.

Parmigiano Reggiano has a minimum maturation time of 12 months but only when it reaches 24 months of age is it at its best. A truly special product, Parmigiano Reggiano is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes and is considered to be the ‘King of Cheese’.

Look out for the two markings below on packaging, which confirm that the cheese is authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.