Although both are Italian cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano are distinguished by their composition.
The first is more rigorous: it uses only raw milk, salt and rennet, without additives, with raw material from cows fed exclusively on hay and natural pasture. Grana Padano, on the other hand, allows the use of lysozyme — a natural enzyme extracted from egg whites — to prevent unwanted fermentation.
The practice is justified by the presence of silage in the cows' diet, a type of fermented forage that can alter the microbial balance of the milk.
Regions of origin
Parmigiano Reggiano is produced in restricted areas of Emilia-Romagna, specifically in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, as well as parts of Bologna and Mantova. Grana Padano is made in a wider area of northern Italy, which includes regions such as Lombardia, Piedmont, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.
This geographical difference has a direct impact on the production tradition. The Parmigiano consortium was created in 1934, two decades before the Grana Padano consortium, founded in 1954.
Ingredients and production
Parmigiano Reggiano is considered to be purer. It prohibits the use of additives and preservatives, including laboratory bacterial cultures. The process requires the use of natural whey as a leavening agent, and the milk comes exclusively from cows fed on grass and hay.
Grana Padano, on the other hand, is more flexible. It allows the use of lysozyme to prevent unwanted fermentation and allows selected bacterial cultures. The inclusion of silage in cattle feed is also permitted, which requires greater microbiological control.
Maturation time
Parmigiano Reggiano starts to be labeled after 12 months. It is best consumed after 24 months or more, and up to 36 months in more mature versions. The older it is, the more intense the flavor and the grainier the texture.
Grana Padano matures in three stages:
– Between 9 and 16 months, with a mild flavor and soft texture.
– From 16 to 20 months, firmer, with notes of butter and dried fruits.
– After 20 months, it presents greater complexity, approaching Parmigiano.
Taste and texture
Parmigiano Reggiano has an intense flavor that develops over time. After 12 months, the taste is reminiscent of fresh milk, evolving into citrus and dried fruit notes over long maturations.
Grana Padano maintains a lighter flavor, with buttery notes. Its texture is less grainy and its aromatic profile is smoother, even in the cured versions.
nutritional profile
Both cheeses are low in lactose and rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus. The natural diet of the cows that produce Parmigiano Reggiano milk ensures a higher presence of omega 3 and antioxidants.
Grana Padano is also nutritious, but the use of silage and the inclusion of additives can minimally influence the milk profile, without compromising the quality of the final product.
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