Did You Know?
True Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged a minimum of 12 months, with the finest wheels aged 36 months or more — only cheese from specific Italian provinces qualifies.
Overview
Italy (Parma · Year-round · dairy
A hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk, with a granular texture and complex, savory, umami flavor, essential in Italian cuisine.
Italy (Parma
Origin
Year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
dairy
Category
Flavor Profile
Saltynuttyumamicomplexcrystalline
Storage Tips
Keep tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. A block lasts 2–3 months. Rinds can be frozen and used to flavor soups.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Parmesan
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Grate over pasta, risotto, salads, and soups. Add the rind to soups and braises for depth. Never buy pre-grated — freshly grated is dramatically better.
Best Pairings
pastarisottoCaesar saladminestronepestopizza
Substitutes
Pecorino Romano (saltier), Grana Padano (milder), aged asiago
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Parmesan
Nutrition Highlights
fat
29
carbs
4
fiber
0
protein
38
calories
431
Quick Facts
Categorydairy
OriginItaly (Parma, Reggio Emilia)
SeasonYear-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Exceptional source of calcium, protein, and phosphorus. High in naturally occurring glutamate (umami). Surprisingly easy to digest.
Parmesan Photos
4 photos showcasing Parmesan in its many forms
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Parmesan
dairy
OriginItaly (Parma
SeasonYear-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Saltynuttyumamicomplexcrystalline
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Pairs Well With
pastarisottoCaesar saladminestronepestopizza
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