Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Parmigiano Reggiano Factory - Parma

It was a huge privilege to see this cheese being produced.  The process is fascinating and left us with a great appreciation for this culinary icon.
Cutting the curds which gives the name to this family of cheeses.  Grana ie: granulated. 
The curds after cooking and settling to the bottom of the vat are gathered  and drained in cheese cloth.  Each vat made only two wheels of Reggiano.

After draining for a day in hoops the cheese is salted in a brine solution.

The cheese is then carefully matured, usually for 18-24 mths.