Parmesan cheese was first prepared in the province of Parma, from where it got its name. To date, this cheese is made not only there, but also in other provinces of Italy: Mantua, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Bologna.
Historical excursion
This dairy product began to be produced for a long time. This cheese variety was bred with the aim of preserving its palatability and shelf life for as long as possible. It took a lot of time to experiment with his recipe, but this culinary masterpiece was worth it!
Since then, Parmesan cheese has gained worldwide fame and has appeared in all countries, changing its composition, recipe, manufacturing conditions, production time - anything but its name. The difference between this variety and other cheeses is its long-term storage. The calorie content of Parmesan cheese per 100 grams is 392 kilocalories.
For eight centuries, Italian cheesemakers made parmesan according to the strict rules of cheese making, and they were never violated. It is for these reasons that this cheese has such a unique taste and appearance. The cheese miracle was obtained as a result of 2 milkings from whole cow's milk, and the cows fed on special herbs to give a characteristic taste.
Appearance and description of parmesan
Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmigiano-reggiano), known in Russia as Parmesan, has a solid structure with a granular-scaly appearance. It has a sweet fruity taste and a rich yellow tint. Depending on the fat content of cow's milk, the calorie content of Parmesan cheese can vary in the range of 384-392 kcal.
Due to its structure, the cheese looks dry, brittle and hard, with slightly rounded edges. Cutting it like regular cheese is simply impossible. Therefore, especially for such slicing, there is a knife with a convenient wooden handle and a sharp end. With it, pieces of smaller cheese are chipped from a large piece of parmesan.
Beneficial features
Parmigiano has in its composition an abundance of macro- and microelements, as well as many vitamins. It contains: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc. Of the useful vitamins can be noted: vitamin A, K, D, B1, B2, E, PP (or B3), B5, B6, folic acid, choline, B12.
In addition to the average calorie content of Parmesan cheese, it has a high nutritional value and is rich in natural protein and essential amino acids. Another feature of its physico-chemical composition is the presence of two important acids: isovalerianic and butyryl. The first acid works in the body as a sedative, it soothes. And the second promotes the breakdown of fatty acids and stops the development of cancer cells in the colon.
All this indicates that this variety brings maximum benefits in the human diet.
Of the shortcomings, it can be noted that Parmesan contains a lot of salt (monosodium glutamate), which affects the appearance of migraines (with a tendency to headaches), affects the work of the kidneys, blood vessels, and heart. As well as people prone to vascular diseases and located to swelling, it is worth minimizing the amount of cheese consumed. It is enough for healthy people to observe the norm of consumption of this product.
Varieties
Parmesan belongs to the Italian variety of hard varieties. The fat content in it of the total weight is 40%. Depending on the variety of Parmesan cheese (40%), calories may vary. So, there are three types of cheese:
- fresh (Fresco, 12-18 months);
- old (Vecchio, 18-24 months);
- very old (Stravecchio, 24-36 months).
The last type of cheese ripens for a very long time, unlike other types.
How to use Parmigiano
This cheese is used in cooking in many ways. But real aesthetes prefer to taste this splendor in combination with red or white wine. It is customary to use it in small pieces with a special knife. Thanks to the wine drink, the delicate fruity taste of cheese is revealed in full force, and fresh grapes, walnuts or honey are excellent as a complement to it. This table setting is considered classic in restaurants of European level.
Only true gourmets can truly appreciate the taste of a culinary masterpiece - Parmesan cheese - combined with wine and its accompanying products.
The energy value of cheese
Parmesan cheese has a calorie content of 100 g - 392 kcal (on average). The amount of protein is 35.75 g, fat - 25.83 g, carbohydrates - 3.22 grams.
If we take into account that this variety is classified as medium-calorie, it is very well absorbed by the digestive system of the body. What makes it stand out nicely from other cheese varieties is the fact that parmesan contains almost no cholesterol. And also it is often used in the menu of diet programs.
There is another type of parmesan, it is called goyus (or Rokiskio). It is a low-calorie product. It is not as popular as classic parmesan, but people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle use it in their dishes. And this is due to the fact that the calorie content of goius cheese (parmesan) is only 354 kcal (in 100 grams).
The combination of cheese and Italian cuisine
Many Italian housewives love to bake their dishes under the crisp parmesan. They bread with fish, meat, chicken and cheese and add it to all kinds of sauces. Its application is so extensive in Italian cuisine that it is difficult to imagine any dish without it. The cheese is used in grated form, sprinkling pasta, salads, risotto, hot fish and meat dishes, as well as pizza. In some varieties of pizza, this cheese is the main ingredient, without which it is simply inconceivable to cook it.
In dishes, the calorie content with Parmesan cheese, of course, increases. Well, how can you do without it? There are even some desserts that are served with this product. For example, fruit or cheese biscuits. You will be impressed by such a dessert - small pieces of parmesan, covered with hot chocolate.
Parmesan does not contain artificial components. Cheese has a piquant rich taste. Thanks to all this, he was so fond of the Italians, and with them the rest of the world, so that parmesan can rightfully be considered a symbol of Italy. And the calorie content of Parmesan hard cheese (40%) allows all adherents of a healthy diet to use, without exception.
How to choose
To buy real Parmesan, you need to carefully study the packaging. This dairy product should bear the inscription: Parmigiano-Reggiano and the letters DOP. These letters indicate that this cheese passed control at all stages of ripening. If you do not find these inscriptions, then in front of you is a fake product. You will also see information on the calorie content of Parmesan cheese in the standard range of 384-392 kilocalories.
Cheese storage at home
Parmigian can be stored in the refrigerator for several months (up to six months), and in the freezer compartment even longer.
When storing, it is important to consider the packaging of the cheese. It must be removed from the original packaging, as it will probably be plastic or polyethylene. And this material negatively affects cheese enzymes. Therefore, you can take parchment or wax paper and wrap parmesan in it. On top of it you need to wrap also with foil. Such multilayer packaging will help to preserve the shelf life of the product in a place where the temperature will not exceed six degrees Celsius. In order not to be tormented later with the memory of dating, indicate the expiration date or date of purchase on the package.
In open form, parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than one week.