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If you’re like me, you probably just assumed that Parmigiano Reggiano and parmesan were the same things. One just happened to have a fancy name to make fancy cheese lovers feel fancier. Well, arguably one is fancier than the other, but they are not the same.
Parmigiano Reggiano is basically the champagne of cheese and must be produced in a specific region in Italy under specific conditions. Parmesan, however, can be made anywhere and has no set standards.
Here’s what makes Parmigiano Reggiano different than parmesan. The cheese is specifically produced in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and holds DOP or denominazione d’origine protetta status which makes it a legally protected product. To be labeled this type of cheese, it must be in made in that region in Italy—like champagne versus sparkling wine.
The title isn’t just about location, though. Parmigiano Reggiano must be aged for 12 months minimum with 24-36 months being the most common aging time frame. The cheese can also only be made using milk, salt, and rennet…
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