Parmesan cheese

Parmesan is a cooked hard cheese. Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is a symbol of the Italian culture and civilisation. In the Parmigiano Reggiano 1 kilo of cheese comes from 16 litres of milk from cows fed on grass known for producing the most nutrionally rich milk. It is well regarded for its protein and vitamin and mineral content. A true Parmigiano Reggiano should come from the provinces of Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia and partially Bologna and Mantova.
Today parmesan is imitated all over the world and whilst there are many good varieties nothing beats the Reggiano. Whole cheeses are large and drum-shaped and can weigh up to 25 kg.

To Buy:

Buy from a specialist cheese store or Italian deli. There is nothing nicer than watching the parmesan being cut from a whole cheese. Parmesan is available at supermarkets in vacuum-packed plastic in refrigerator sections, or worse still, finely grated in little containers that allow for easy sprinkling. Definitely not recommended.

To Store:

Store in the fridge or if it's winter, a cool pantry, wrapped in calico or waxed paper. Well wrapped it will keep for several weeks.

Tips & Tricks:

If you have an old block of parmesan rind that has dried out - drop it into the pot when making minestrone soup - it will impart the most delicious flavour.

Cooking Tips:

To reduce fat content when making lasagne - use grated parmesan over a thin layer of low fat ricotta between the pasta and sauce. The parmesan will give it a lovely cheesy flavour and you won't need to use as much as regular cheese. Thin shavings of parmesan over rocket make an exceptional salad. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and balsamic - nothing else is needed.

Find recipes with Parmesan cheese

Nutrition per Per serve:

Energy (kJ):

555

Protein (g):

11.4

Saturated Fat, g :

6.2

Vitamin A:

Calcium:

Phosphorus:

Amines:

Very High

Glutamates:

Natural

Carbohydrates, g:

0.0

Fat (g):

9.7

Monosaturated Fat , g:

2.8

Vitamin B2:

Zinc:

Sodium:

Salicylates:

Safe/negligible amount

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.