Parmesan Cheese

• Grating over pasta dishes: Parmesan cheese is often grated and sprinkled generously over pasta, enhancing the flavor of sauces like marinara, Alfredo, and pesto.
• Adding to soups and stews: A rind or grated parmesan adds a savory depth to soups and stews. It dissolves slightly, enriching the broth with its nutty flavor.
• Incorporating into salads: Shaved or grated parmesan cheese elevates salads by adding a salty, umami element, pairing well with leafy greens, vegetables, and vinaigrettes.
• Using in cheese boards: Parmesan is a popular addition to cheese boards, typically served with fruits, nuts, and crackers. Its firm texture makes it easy to slice or cube.
• Baking into breads and crackers: Parmesan can be mixed into doughs for breads, biscuits, and crackers, imparting a savory flavor and a crispy texture when baked.
• Making parmesan crisps: Thinly grated parmesan cheese can be baked until golden brown and crispy, creating delicious snacks or garnishes for salads and soups.

• Rich in calcium, crucial for bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamins like A and B12, important for vision, immune function, and nerve health.
• Provides essential minerals such as zinc and phosphorus, vital for various bodily functions.
• Lower in lactose compared to some other cheeses, potentially easier to digest for those with mild lactose intolerance.
• Source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid associated with potential health benefits.

Parmesan cheese should be stored properly to prevent it from drying out or developing mold. For a wedge of Parmesan, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or cheese paper and then in plastic wrap. Store in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator where the temperature is consistent. Grated Parmesan should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, Parmesan can be frozen, although this may slightly alter its texture.