Italy has the highest number of registered (certified) high quality food products in the world. Parmigiano Reggiano is among the DOP certified foods, that stands for Denominazione d'Origine Protetta which means that all the qualities of these products are and need to be strictly connected to that specific locale. 

DOP products need to be produced by law in the same territory, from the beginning to end of the production cycle.

The history of Parmigiano Reggiano dates as back as 1348 (although according to a legend it was created in the Middle Ages in Bibbiano, in the Province of Reggio Emilia) in the writings of Boccaccio. 

 

Parmigiano Reggiano, also known in English as Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese, cooked but not pressed, named after the producing areas near Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna and also in Mantova (Lombardy). Under Italian law, only cheese produced in these provinces may be labelled "Parmigiano-Reggiano", while European law classifies the name as a   protected designation of origin.

Parmigiano is the Italian adjective for Parma. Reggiano is the Italian adjective for Reggio Emilia.

If you are travelling around Italy these days don't miss the Parmigiano Reggiano Fair, from Friday September 28th, to Sunday 30th. The Parmigiano Reggiano will be on show in Terre of Canossa, with workshops, markets, tastings and more.  Discover the territory of one of the most prestigious cheeses of the world through one or two day trips rich in gastronomy thanks to the organisation of Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori.

 

Wrtitten by: Elisa della Barba