Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese originating from the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk, typically from cows fed a diet of local grasses and hay. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months, developing its characteristic complex, nutty, and savory flavor.

Manufacturers use Parmigiano Reggiano primarily as a flavoring ingredient, adding a rich, umami taste to foods. It is often grated or shaved over pasta dishes, soups, salads, and appetizers. Its granular texture also contributes to the mouthfeel of certain products.

Parmigiano Reggiano is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its intended use as a food ingredient. As a natural food, it is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. International bodies like EFSA have evaluated cheese and dairy products, but specific evaluations of Parmigiano Reggiano's health effects at typical consumption levels are not widely documented in public health reviews. Evidence on the health impacts of moderate cheese consumption generally points to a neutral or potentially beneficial role in the context of a healthy diet.