Cheese Pairings

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced exclusively in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. The cattle which are grown and bred to produce the cheese are fed locally grown forage from Mantua. It takes around 550 litres of milk just to make one wheel of Parmigiano. A genuine wheel of Parmigiano is identified by dotted inscriptions around its circumference and a mark of origin, tracing back the cheese’s month and year of production and the registration number of the cheese factory in which it was produced. Good things take time. In fact, the minimum maturation period for Parmigiano Reggiano is 12 months, the longest from the collection of Protected Designated Origin (PDO) cheeses. This maturation process can even be extended to 24, 36 or more months if required. The more mature the cheese, the more intense its colour and aroma, and the saltier its taste.

Pairing

Parmigiano Reggiano is added to various traditional Italian dishes to enhance their flavour, but it may also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or a snack. When being served as an aperitif, it is best to go for Parmigiano Reggiano with 12-18 months of maturation and pair it with raw vegetables. If you plan on impressing your guests with some charcuterie, pair the cheese with fresh fruit, walnuts, or honey. Mild fruit chutneys also complement its delicate aroma.

Serve with a glass of sparkling or medium-bodied still white wine. Alternatively, you can pair it with a cocktail with a low alcohol content.

At 24 months, the more mature Parmigiano Reggiano can be incorporated into pasta, rice, and soup dishes. As long as it is cleaned well, you can also add shavings of the rind to vegetable soups for added flavour. If the cheese reaches 30 months of maturity, it makes an excellent pairing with meat and fish main courses. When served with the main course, it can be paired with more structured red wines.

A wide variety of quality ingredients are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

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