Understand the Aging Process to Find the Best Parmesan Cheese
Also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Parmesan cheese is crumbly with various flavors. It has many unique qualities that need your entire day to explore.
If you are buying Parmesan cheese, remember all of them are not the same or have the same characteristics. An element of production that defines the intensity of its flavor and unique texture is aging. The characteristics of the cheese change with aging or the maturation time.
So, to get the best parmesan cheese for pasta or wheel pasta, understand its aging stages.
12 to 19 months
Parmesan cheese develops the right consistency and flavor after a minimum aging period of 12 months. Before this, there is no or little consistency and flavor in parmesan cheese. You will experience a simple flavor with unique milk and butter notes.
You can use cheese aged 12 to 19 months for less experienced palates as the texture is soft and the aroma is delicate and light.
20 to 24 months
The aged period of between 20 and 24 months appears more compact. The parmesan cheese has a peculiar crumbliness and graininess, while the flavor is more intense and savory. This aging period of the cheese makes it perfect for first courses and side dishes.
35 to 45 months
True cheese lovers love parmesan cheese aged between 35 and 45 months because it’s more crumbly and grainy with an extraordinary aroma. The shape is dry with an intensive and decisive flavor. The notes remind everyone about dry fruits and spices.
46 to 79 months
With time, the flavor of Parmesan cheese becomes extraordinary. It has truly unique aromatic characteristics. Generally, you don’t find cheese aged 46-79 months as it requires long periods and constant, prolonged attention in every stage.
If you have patience, you can enjoy a cheese with an unmistakable flavor. Also, its aroma is extremely intense, with hints of spices and smoke. This makes it a preferable choice for parmesan cheese wheel pasta.
Over 100 months
This is surprising; people generally don’t believe that parmesan cheese can age for over 100 months. But it happens, and people enjoy the distinct flavor of cheese, which is authentic and unforgettable. Time and nature work together for eight long years to complete this period.
The flavor of cheese aged over 100 months is intense and robust, with proper balance and harmony. The aromas are perfect, similar to spices, tobacco, and sometimes cocoa. This gives an authentic gastronomic experience to cheese lovers.
Conclusion
Patience is the key to the aging of the best parmesan cheese. Before ordering the cheese, find out how aged it is. Get an extremely aged cheese for a distinct flavor and mesmerizing aroma. You will love it.
If you want quality parmesan cheese for your Italian dishes, come to Taste for Luxury. We deliver in every corner of Canada.
