Parmigiano Reggiano: which to choose?
But Parmigiano Reggiano in Bologna is in every house, in every fridge and on the top of every serious pasta.
Some people call it the king of cheese: the truth is that in one name you find very different kinds of cheese with different uses.
But how long has Parmigiano Reggiano aged?
Parmigiano Reggiano: which age to choose?
The first rule to know is that there isn't a right age for Parmigiano Reggiano.
Each one has its own specific properties and usage.
Do you like to have Parmigiano cubes for aperitivo?
Or ground it on a dish of tagliatelle?
Different ages, different uses.
Is longer aged Parmesan better?
For those who appreciate complex, robust flavors akin to aged wines or spirits, savoring Parmigiano Reggiano aged beyond 36 months is a must.
This extended maturation enhances the cheese's crumbly texture and introduces intricate notes of dried fruits and spices.
Why is Parmigiano Reggiano so expensive?
Parmigiano Reggiano commands a higher price due to its meticulous production process and stringent regulations. Crafted exclusively in specific areas of Italy, it requires 131 gallons of high-quality milk per wheel and undergoes an aging period of at least one year, often extending to three years or more.
This dedication results in a cheese with a complex, nutty flavor and a distinctive granular texture, distinguishing it from less expensive alternatives.
12 months old Parmigiano Reggiano
The minimum maturation period of Parmigiano Reggiano is 12 months.
Parmigiano Reggiano is exclusively produced in specific Italian provinces, including Parma and Reggio Emilia, due to its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
This designation ensures that every step—from cow breeding to cheese making and packaging—occurs within this defined area, preserving the cheese's authenticity and traditional production methods.
It's only after 12 months that each cheese is tested and fire-branded to become real Parmigiano.
At this stage, the cheese is still soft and young, without the unique flavors and perfumes that make it famous worldwide.
12 - 24 months old Parmigiano Reggiano
Now we're starting to talk.
After a couple of summers, Parmigiano is still quite soft but becomes more grainy and crumbly.
Also, the flavor is different, perfect to taste during aperitivo with a glass of Pignoletto or Lambrusco sparkling wines.
Alberto, my expert cheese seller in Bologna, shared with me a secret about Parmigiano.
If you like it sweeter, ask for a mountain producer: cows eat herbs and flowers give a tender sweetness to the cheese.
24-month Parmigiano Reggiano is the perfect one for the filling of tortellini, mixed with pork loin, mortadella, egg and nutmeg.
30 - 36 months old Parmigiano Reggiano
We call it Stravecchio. Extra old, literally.
After 30 months Parmigiano Reggiano becomes dry and even more crumbly with an intense flavor.
At this stage, milk enzymes digest casein, making it suitable also for lactose intolerant and babies.
How to have it?
Take is simple, maybe with honey or Aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena to balance his sapid aroma.
Longest aged Parmigiano Reggiano
While most Parmigiano Reggiano matures between 12 and 36 months, exceptional cases have reached 60 months or more.
Notably, a 23-year-old (276 months) wheel was unveiled in 2023, showcasing the cheese's remarkable aging potential.
Such extended aging periods intensify the cheese's complex flavors and granular texture.
It's difficult and rare to find these kinds of cheese.
They must have perfect shape and aging, but the reward is a wide essence and a unique deep flavor.
Try it alone and balance its hardness with a sweet wine like Marsala or Passito.
During our food tour in Modena and Parma Food Tour, we taste different aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Are you the lucky one who finds the 90 months?
[Photos: Centotre Contini, Claudio Manenti, Wonsun, Cristian]