PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE - How & Where is Made, difference with Parmesan Cheese & Why is Expensive

Summary

The video script discusses the art of making traditional Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, highlighting its unique production process and history. It explores the importance of authenticity and the role of the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano in protecting the cheese's quality and reputation. The script also touches on the evolution of a small cheese factory into a significant producer, emphasizing the collective efforts of farmers and the impact of the Slow Food movement.

Takeaways

• 🧀 The script discusses the production and history of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, highlighting its unique characteristics and the importance of its traditional production methods.
• 📍 Parmigiano Reggiano is produced in a specific region of Italy, historically between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Parma, which is why it carries the name.
• 🏰 The script mentions a family business that started with a small activity and grew into a significant player in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano.
• 🔗 The importance of protecting the name and quality of Parmigiano Reggiano is emphasized, with the mention of a consortium that oversees and regulates its production.
• 🛡 The script explains the role of the consortium in ensuring the cheese meets quality standards and in verifying the authenticity of Parmigiano Reggiano through a unique identification system.
• 🏭 The story of a specific caseificio, Castelnovese, is shared, illustrating its growth from a small dairy to a significant producer through mergers and acquisitions.
• 📈 The script provides statistics on the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, including the number of forms produced annually and the number of dairies involved.
• 🌐 The script touches on the global recognition and imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano, highlighting the need for consumer awareness and the protection of the brand's integrity.
• 📦 The script mentions the use of technology and innovation in the production process, such as the use of stickers and the implementation of a closed-loop system.
• 🎉 The script also discusses the cultural and social aspects of Parmigiano Reggiano, including its role in local events and its significance in the Slow Food movement.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'Cabau leccese' in the context of the script?

The term 'Cabau leccese' refers to a traditional and special type of cheese from the Lecce region, which is part of the broader discussion about Italian cheeses and their cultural importance.

Why is Parmigiano Reggiano considered the 'king of cheeses'?

Parmigiano Reggiano is considered the 'king of cheeses' due to its high quality, unique production process, and the strict regulations that govern its making, which ensure its exceptional taste and characteristics.

What does the acronym 'PSI20' refer to in the script?

The acronym 'PSI20' is not explicitly defined in the script, but it could potentially refer to a specific production standard or a local initiative related to the cheese-making industry.

What is the role of Umberto in the story of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production?

Umberto is mentioned as a father figure who was a farmer and later decided to set up a business, transforming his personal passion into a production of Parmigiano Reggiano, highlighting the family and tradition aspect of the cheese-making process.

What does the 'closed loop' system mentioned in the script refer to?

The 'closed loop' system likely refers to a sustainable and self-sufficient method of production where resources are循环利用, reducing waste and maintaining a balance within the production cycle of Parmigiano Reggiano.

How does the script describe the仿冒 of Parmigiano Reggiano?

The script mentions that Parmigiano Reggiano is the most imitated cheese in the world, with many producers trying to mimic its name and quality to give value to their own cheeses, which are often of mediocre quality.

What is the purpose of the Consorzio di Tutela del Parmigiano Reggiano?

The Consorzio di Tutela del Parmigiano Reggiano is an association that protects the name and regulates the production of Parmigiano Reggiano to ensure its quality and authenticity, as well as to prevent imitations.

What is the importance of the 'placca di caseina' in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano?

The 'placca di caseina' or the cheese wax mark is a unique identifier for each wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. It contains a unique number that provides traceability back to the day of production, the dairy where it was made, and other details, ensuring the authenticity of the cheese.

How has the caseificio 'Castelnovese' evolved over its history mentioned in the script?

Castelnovese, established in 1960 as a small dairy, has evolved over 58 years through 20 mergers with other small dairies, creating a significant entity in the Parmigiano Reggiano production landscape, with 100 members and 30 employees producing around 80,000 forms annually.

What is the significance of the number of forms produced by the 330 dairies mentioned in the script?

The number of forms produced by the 330 dairies, which is around 3.5 to 3.7 million per year, signifies the scale of Parmigiano Reggiano production and the importance of this cheese in the regional economy and global market.