Parmesan Cheese which is better known as Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese made from cow’s milk. Its name was derived from the name of two Italian provinces — Parma and Reggio Emilia.
The popularity of Parmesan Cheese in the world has been nicknamed The King of Cheeses. Hence, you should know, “Where is Parmesan Cheese Made?”
Parmesan Cheese is manufactured only in Italy.
Its name was also taken from two Italian provinces, Parma and Reggio Emilia. Storing at least 12 months of Cow’s milk, Parmesan Cheese is produced in manufacturing facilities in Italy.
Under Italian and European law, Parmesan Cheese is produced mainly in the Parma and Reggio Emilia provinces.
According to Parmesan Reggiano, Parmesan Cheese is manufactured in more than 30 cheese factories. Before production, they collect raw milk from 4000 farms.
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Where does real Parmesan cheese come from?
Real Parmesan Cheese prominently comes from Italy. The Italy-based cheese manufacturer, Parmigiano Reggiano is the authentic Parmesan Cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano is considered to be an authentic cheese that is naturally hard and comes with a granular texture.
Both the European Union and the United States laws have granted that real Parmesan Cheese can only be produced in Italy. The Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano are protected designations of origin.
Outside Italy, more than 20 countries produce and export Cheese. The majority of cheese exporters are from Europe.
Have a look at the below table where we specified the top Cheese Exporters with their amount of cheese exports every year:
| Name of Country | Amount of worth of Cheese exported every year |
| Germany | $3,753,096,000 |
| Netherlands | $3,418,481,000 |
| France | $3,359,640,000 |
| United States | $1,391,522,000 |
| Denmark | $1,379,792,000 |
| New Zealand | $1,158,743,000 |
| Belgium | $817,716,000 |
| Ireland | $780,947,000 |
| United Kingdom | $686,804,000 |
| Poland | $650,336,000 |
| Switzerland | $599,552,000 |
| Austria | $537,508,000 |
A lot of countries are now manufacturing cheese. But the real Parmesan Cheese is predominantly produced by Italy.
Hence, the real Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy.
Can Parmesan cheese be made in America?
Parmesan Cheese can be made anywhere else. There is no restriction by the Parmesan authority. But the parmesan Reggiano is only made in Italy.
To make Parmesan Cheese, the below ingredients you have to collect first:
- Milk
- Salt
- Bacteria Cultures
- Rennet
- Cellulose Powder
- Potassium Sorbate
The milk used in making Parmesan Cheese is stored for more than 12 months. After storing and mixing admixtures in a close facility, Parmesan Cheese can be produced.
| Ingredients | Amount in Gram |
| Fat | 9 grams |
| Sat Fat | 6 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Mono Fat | 0 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 198 mg |
| Cholesterol | 28 mg |
Now, the point is you can’t make Parmesan Reggiano Cheese outside Italy, as the cows that give milk eat unique terrain foods. These cows can be cultured in the two Italian provinces Parma and Reggio Emilia.
Besides, the talents of artisans who produce Parmesan Cheese are also a vital cause of unique Parmesan Reggiano cheese. Other countries can’t make the same taste and flavor of Parmesan Reggiano cheese due to insufficient talented artisans.
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Generally, one ounce of Parmesan cheese results in 141 calories. Have a look at the chart below where we mentioned vital ingredients in terms of nutrition value:
In short, Parmesan Cheese can be made anywhere but the unique Parmesan Reggiano cheese can’t be made outside Italy. The main two reasons are:
- Proper weather to cultivate cows
- Lack of talented artisans
In Italy, the famous Parmesan Reggiano cheese can be produced.
What state produces the most Parmesan cheese?
The two Italian provinces, Parma and Reggio Emilia produce the most Parmesan cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan cheese are essentially the same product. In specific regions of Italy, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made.
On the contrary, Parmesan Cheese can be made anywhere in the world. In the US market, most Parmesan Cheese is imported from Australia, Austria, and so on. The unique Parmigiano Reggiano is predominantly made in Italy.
Two Italian provinces, Parma and Reggio Emilia make the most Parmesan Cheese. Importing the real Parmesan Cheese, Italy earned $2,506,997,000. Parmesan Cheese is produced in five Italian provinces.
Where in Italy is Parmesan Cheese Made From?
In Italy, Parmesan Cheese is made in:
- Parma
- Modena
- Reggio Emilia
- Bologna
- Mantova
The Italian-made Parmesan Cheese is often called the King of Cheese. Among these five Italian provinces, Parma and Reggio Emilia make the most Parmesan Cheese.
Outside Italy, it’s tough to make Parmesan Cheese. Talented artisans are very rare in other countries who can perfectly make Parmesan Cheese.
Besides, the weather in Italy is suitable for farming. In these five provinces, cow food can easily be cultivated.
Today, Parmesan Cheese is made in numerous countries. But, they can’t make the real Parmesan Cheese like Italian. The Italian-made Parmigiano Reggiano is a unique one.
In short, Parmesan Cheese is mainly made in the five Italian provinces that we have mentioned.
Where to buy Parmesan Cheese?
By visiting any supermarket, you can easily find Parmesan Cheese. Before purchasing, make sure that you are purchasing real Parmesan Cheese.
In several different formats, you can purchase Parmesan Cheese in grocery stores. These formats available in grocery stores are:
- Grated
- Shredded
- Even Slices
Depending on the store, you may get Parmesan Cheese in the Italian food section or the deli.
Besides, Parmesan Cheese is available on online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and so on. By visiting these websites, you can easily purchase Parmesan Cheese. In this case, we will recommend you purchase from Amazon.
Conclusion
Parmesan Cheese is highly nutritious. But, you have to make sure that you’re purchasing real Parmesan Cheese. Generally, most Parmesan Cheese in the US is imported from Australia, Argentina, and so on.
The Italian-made Parmigiano-Reggiano is the real Parmesan Cheese. This product is made in unique weather conditions in five Italian provinces.
