Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a type of hard cheese inspired by Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese from Parma, Italy.[1] Its color is pale yellow; and it is popularly used as a seasoning added to dishes like spaghetti, Caesar salad and pizza.[2]

Inside the European Union, by law the term Parmesan may only be used to refer to Parmigiano-Reggiano itself; but elsewhere, in particular in the United States, the name has come to mean any of a number of similar Italian-style grating cheeses.[3][4]

Flavor and uses

Parmesan cheese is prized for its flavor, which is rich in umami sensations.[5] Its use in home cooking throughout the Western world is generally as a condiment with other prepared food dishes, rather than being eaten by itself as in traditional European cheese plates. Kraft Foods is a major North American producer of Parmesan and has been selling it since 1945.[6][7] As Parmesan is a common garnish for pizzas and other pastas, many major pizza chains such as Pizza Hut offer it.[8]

Alternatives

Soy-based alternatives to Parmesan cheese exist.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Handbook of cheese in health: Production, nutrition and medical sciences - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  2. ↑ Wisconsin Cheese: A Cookbook and Guide to the Cheeses of Wisconsin - Martin Hintz, Pam Percy - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2008-02-26. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  3. ↑ Oxford Companion to Food, s.v. 'parmesan'
  4. ↑ Cox, James (9 September 2003). "What's in a name?". USA TODAY. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  5. ↑ Taste: Surprising Stories and Science about Why Food Tastes Good - Barb Stuckey - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2013-03-26. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  6. ↑ Justin M. Waggoner (12 October 2007). "Acquiring a European Taste for Geographical Indications". Retrieved 2014-09-22.
  7. ↑ Brodsy, Alyson. "U.S. cheese maker says it can produce Parmesan faster | Business | Indiana Daily Student". Idsnews.com. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  8. ↑ http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/pizza-hut-grated-parmesan-cheese-packet-estimated-155743395
  9. ↑ History of Cheese, Cream Cheese and Sour Cream Alternatives (With or Without ... - William Shurtleff, Akiko Aoyagi - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2014-05-30.