Parmesan cheese: caloric content per 100 grams

Parmesan cheese was first cooked in the province of Parma, from where it got its name. To date, this sort of cheese is made not only there, but also in other provinces of Italy: Mantua, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Bologna.

Historical digression

This dairy product began to be manufactured long ago. This sort of cheese was bred for the purpose that it retained its taste and shelf life as long as possible. It took a lot of time to experiment with its recipe, but it was a culinary masterpiece worth it!

Since then, Parmesan cheese has gained worldwide fame and has appeared in all countries, changing its composition, recipe, manufacturing conditions, the production time - anything, but not its name. The difference between this variety and other cheeses is its long-term storage. The calorie content of parmesan cheese per 100 grams is 392 kilocalories.

For eight centuries, Italian cheesemakers produced parmesan according to strict rules of cheese making, and they were never violated. It is for these reasons that this cheese has such a unique taste and appearance. A raw miracle was the result of two milking doses from whole cow's milk, and the cows fed on special herbs to give a characteristic taste.

Appearance and description of Parmesan

Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmigiano-reggiano), known in Russia as Parmesan, has a solid structure with a grainy-scaly appearance. It is characterized by a sweetish fruity taste and a rich yellow color. Depending on the fat content of cow's milk, the calorie content of parmesan cheese can vary in the range 384-392 kcal.

Due to its structure, the cheese looks dry, brittle and hard, with slightly rounded edges. To cut it like ordinary cheese is simply impossible. Therefore, especially for such cutting, there is a knife with a comfortable wooden handle and a sharp end. With his help, pieces of less cheese are broken off from a large piece of Parmesan.

Beneficial features

Parmigiano has an abundance of macro and microelements, as well as many vitamins. It contains: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc. Of the useful vitamins can be noted: vitamin A, K, D, B1, B2, E, PP (or B3), B5, B6, folic acid, choline, B12.

In addition to the average calorie content of parmesan cheese, it has a high nutritional value and is rich in natural protein and essential amino acids. Another feature of its physicochemical composition is the presence of two important acids: isovaleryanoic and butyryl. The first acid works in the body as a sedative, it calms. And the second promotes the breakdown of fatty acids and stops the development of cancer cells in the large intestine.

All this shows that this variety brings maximum benefits in the diet of man.

From the disadvantages, it can be noted that parmesan contains a lot of salt (glutamate sodium), which affects the appearance of migraines (with a tendency to headaches), affects the work of the kidneys, blood vessels, heart. As well as people prone to vascular diseases and located to puffiness, it is necessary to minimize the amount of cheese consumed. It is enough for healthy people to observe the consumption rate of this product.

Varieties

Parmesan belongs to the Italian variety of solid varieties. The fat content in it from the total weight is 40%. Depending on the variety of Parmesan cheese (40%), the calorie content may differ. So, there are three types of cheese:

• Fresh (Fresco, 12-18 months);
• Old (Vecchio, 18-24 months);
• Very old (Stravecchio, 24-36 months).

The latter type of cheese matures very long, unlike other types.

How to apply Parmigiano

This cheese is used in a variety of ways. But real aesthetes prefer to taste this splendor in combination with red or white wine. It is customary to use small pieces with a special knife. Thanks to the wine drink, the delicate fruity taste of the cheese opens in full force, and as a supplement to it, fresh grapes, walnuts or honey perfectly suits. This serving is considered to be classic in restaurants of European level.

Only real gourmets can truly appreciate the palatability of the culinary masterpiece - parmesan cheese - in combination with wine and its accompanying products.

Cheese energy value

Parmesan cheese has a caloric value per 100 g - 392 kcal (on average). The amount of protein is 35.75 grams, fats - 25.83 grams, carbohydrates - 3.22 grams.

If you take into account that this grade belongs to medium caloric, it is very well absorbed by the digestive system of the body. What pleases him distinguishes from other cheese varieties is the fact that in parmesan there is almost no cholesterol. And also it is often used in the menu of diet programs.

There is another kind of Parmesan, it is called goyus (or Rokiskio). It is a low-calorie product. It is not as popular as classic Parmesan, but people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle use it in their dishes. And this is due to the fact that the calorie content of the goyus (parmesan) cheese is only 354 kcal (in 100 grams).

Combination of cheese with Italian cuisine

Many Italian housewives love to bake their meals under a crispy crust of parmesan cheese. They panize fish, meat, chicken with cheese and add it to all kinds of sauces. Its application is so extensive in Italian cuisine that it is difficult to imagine any dish without it. Cheese is used in grated form, sprinkling pasta, salads, risotto, hot fish and meat dishes, as well as pizza. In some varieties of pizza, this cheese is the main ingredient, without which its cooking is simply unthinkable.

In dishes, caloric content with parmesan cheese, of course, increases. Well, how do you do without it? There are even some desserts that are served with this product. For example, fruit or cheese biscuits. You will be impressed by such a dessert - small pieces of Parmesan, covered with hot chocolate.

Parmesan does not contain artificial components. Cheese has a piquant, rich taste. Thanks to all this, he so fell in love with the Italians, and with them and the rest of the world, so that Parmesan can rightly be considered a symbol of Italy. And the calorie content of hard Parmesan cheese (40%) makes it possible to use all adherents of healthy food without exception.

How to choose

To buy real Parmesan, you need to carefully study the packaging. On this dairy product there should be an inscription: Parmigiano-Reggiano and the letters DOP These letters indicate that this cheese has passed control at all stages of maturation. If you do not find these inscriptions, then there is a counterfeit product in front of you. Also, you will see information on the calorie content of Parmesan cheese in the standard range of 384-392 kilocalories.

Cheese storage at home

Parmigian in the refrigerator can be stored for several months (up to six months), and in the freezer compartment even longer.

When storing it is important to consider the packaging of cheese. It must be removed from the original packaging, since for sure it will be plastic or polyethylene. And this material negatively affects the enzymes of cheese. Therefore, you can take parchment or wax paper and wrap parmesan in it. On top of it you also need to wrap it with foil. This multi-layer packaging will preserve the shelf life of the product in a place where the temperature will not be above six degrees Celsius. So that you do not have to worry about the memory of dating, specify the expiration date or the date of purchase on the package.

In the open, Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than one week.