Connoisseur’s Guide: How to Select and Store Parmigiano Reggiano

Revered by food enthusiasts worldwide, Parmigiano Reggiano is widely considered the king of Italian cheeses for its versatility, depth of flavour, and remarkable health benefits.
Every slice represents centuries of Italian cheesemaking tradition and craftsmanship, making it an essential ingredient in kitchens across the world.

Below, we explore why Parmigiano Reggiano holds such a prestigious place in Italian gastronomy, followed by practical advice on how to select and store it correctly.

Why Parmigiano Reggiano Is So Special

Parmigiano Reggiano — often referred to as Parmesan cheese — has culinary roots dating back to Roman times and is protected by a strict PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).
Only cheese produced in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and designated areas of Mantua and Bologna, following rigorous standards, can legally bear this name.

If you want to understand this process in depth, seeing it firsthand on a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory tour offers invaluable insight into how geography, tradition, and technique shape the final product.

Parmigiano Reggiano delivers a distinctive balance of nutty, fruity, and savoury notes, with flavour evolving as the cheese ages.
Beyond taste, it is naturally rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients, making it suitable for children, athletes, and older adults thanks to its excellent digestibility.

Culinary Uses of Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano is extraordinarily versatile. Its granular texture and aromatic complexity make it ideal for grating over pasta, risotto, salads, and soups.
Classic Italian sauces such as Bolognese and Carbonara are incomplete without it. It also enhances roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and broths, while true enthusiasts enjoy it on its own — paired with full-bodied wines, honey, balsamic vinegar, or dried fruit — allowing its layered flavours to shine.

How to Choose Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano

When purchasing Parmigiano Reggiano, always check the rind for the dotted inscription reading “Parmigiano Reggiano”, along with the dairy number and production date.
A quality wheel should have a clean, intense aroma with subtle nutty and fruity notes.

Age matters:

• 12 months: delicate, milky, and lightly nutty
• 24 months: more complex, savoury, and structured
• 36 months+: intense, crystalline texture with deep, spicy and dried-fruit notes

Longer-aged Parmigiano Reggiano delivers greater complexity and is prized by connoisseurs.

How to Store Parmigiano Reggiano Properly

Parmigiano Reggiano keeps best in a cool, slightly humid environment.
The vegetable drawer of your refrigerator is ideal. Wrap the cheese in wax paper or foil — avoid plastic wrap, which traps moisture and encourages mould.

If the cheese begins to dry out, wrap it briefly in a damp cloth before rewrapping it in paper. Stored correctly, a whole piece can last several months.
Once cut, it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks.

Conclusion

Parmigiano Reggiano rewards those who take the time to understand it — from recognising authentic quality to storing it correctly. Each bite reflects centuries of agricultural knowledge and artisanal skill. If your appreciation goes beyond the kitchen, experiencing production firsthand adds a deeper layer of understanding.
You can turn curiosity into an immersive experience by joining a guided Parmigiano Reggiano tour in Emilia Romagna.