Parmigiano Reggiano: The King of Cheeses
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese produced in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Bologna in Italy. It is made from cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months, resulting in a complex and nutty flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to salads to soups.
History of Parmigiano Reggiano
The history of Parmigiano Reggiano can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The first written record of the cheese dates back to 1254, when it was mentioned in a document from the Benedictine monastery of San Giovanni Evangelista in Parma. By the 14th century, Parmigiano Reggiano was being produced in large quantities and exported to other parts of Italy and Europe.
Production of Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is made from cow's milk that is heated and then renneted. The rennet causes the milk to coagulate and form curds. The curds are then cut into small pieces and cooked. The cooked curds are placed in molds and pressed. The cheese is then aged for at least 12 months, but some cheeses are aged for up to 36 months or more.
Flavor and Texture of Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano has a complex and nutty flavor. The cheese is also hard and granular. The texture of the cheese varies depending on the age of the cheese. Younger cheeses have a softer texture, while older cheeses have a harder texture.
Uses of Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. The cheese can be grated over pasta, salads, and soups. It can also be used as a filling for ravioli and tortellini. Parmigiano Reggiano is also a popular ingredient in risotto and other Italian dishes.
Nutritional Value of Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. The cheese is also low in fat and calories.
Conclusion
Parmigiano Reggiano is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. The cheese has a complex and nutty flavor and a hard and granular texture. Parmigiano Reggiano is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
How many calories are in Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Each 1 tbsp of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese contains 21 calories.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp (5g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 21 Calories |
| Protein | 1.4g |
| Fat | 1.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8g |
| Cholesterol | 0.0043mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0.7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 0.09mg |
| Potassium | 0.009mg |
| Calcium | 0.043mg |
| Iron | 0mg |