The Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

June 30, 2025

It’s not parmesan it’s Parmigiano, the authentic king of cheeses from Parma Italy. The heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano is a centuries old crafted cheese. It is an artform in itself. The unique taste is best savored on its own with a fine glass of dry red wine. Yes, there are wonderful cheeses world-wide, but really nothing beats the mouth-watering taste of Parmigiano Reggiano!

Making Parmigiano is an over one-thousand year old recipe discovered by the Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages. During a time of plagues and limited food sources aging cheese was life saving. The base recipe for Parmigiano is raw milk, salt and with fermented whey. Really it’s all about the cows. The cows that produce this milk are from local farms that are grass fed. They are happy cows that enjoy a stress-free life, and this is why the cheese is so delicious. Parmigiano is aged for at least 14 months and after it is formed into large wheels. It is natural and contains no artificial additives. To protect this prized cheese, a formal designation of origin was established in 1612. This was the beginning of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which ensures the authenticity and quality of Parmigiano Reggiano today.

Don’t quibble about the expense, buy this wonderful cheese and you will instantly know that it is worth every penny. While grating Parmigiano Reggiano over pasta is a classic, its versatility extends beyond that. It can be enjoyed in chunks as a snack, paired with fruit, or drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It also works well in risottos, soups, salads, and many other dishes. Different aging periods offer distinct flavor profiles, allowing you to select the ideal cheese for any culinary creation.

Parmigiano Reggiano is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium. The long aging process makes it naturally lactose-free. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B12, phosphorus, and zinc. Also one ounce of Parmigiano is only 122 calories, so you can indulge in something delicious and healthy!

Parmigiano Reggiano is a true culinary treasure and a symbol of Italian tradition and quality. Its rich history, careful production, and unique flavor make it a cheese worth seeking out. When searching for a special cheese, choose Parmigiano Reggiano to discover why it is the King of Cheeses.

Make sure to grab a block of this cheese, and make sure that it authentic Parmigiano Reggiano. A true Italian grates fresh cheese always, yes it is an extra step, but so much better than pre grated cheese. Italian cooking is really using the very best ingredients, and one of the sayings in Italy is poco e buono – which means use a little but use the best. A little goes a long way when using the Big Cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano.

About the Author:

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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