Parmesan

Description

Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is a hard, long-aged cheese with an intense, salty-nutty flavor and a light cream-colored, slightly crystalline interior. It has a dry, crumbly texture that can easily be grated finely or sliced into flakes; the aroma is pronounced, spicy, and lasting, so a small amount is enough to enhance a dish. It pairs perfectly with pasta, risotto, soups, and salads, and works well as a topping, ingredient in sauces, fillings, and as an addition to appetizers and baked dishes. Nutritionally, parmesan is a concentrated source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports bone health and metabolic functions; due to its long aging process, it contains very little lactose. It should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in parchment paper or special cheese paper, in the cooler part of the fridge, avoiding airtight plastic to prevent condensation; it can also be grated and stored in the freezer, which extends its shelf life at the cost of texture.