The 18-month Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the low ripenings of Parmigiano Reggiano. Together with 24 months, it is certainly one of the most widespread on the market and known to consumers.
We at the Caseificio Bio Reggiani will explain in a concise and clear manner what the main strengths of this fantastic Parmigiano Reggiano seasoning are (as, indeed, are all of them).
The Characteristics of 18-month Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano 18 months, as we have already mentioned, falls into the lower ageing range. This makes it less grainy and crumbly than a 36-month, for example. A dairy base is still quite pronounced, with some aromatic notes of fresh fruit and vegetables. The yield on the palate is that of a cheese that is both sweet and bitter.
We are not yet in that ageing range where the lactose content is close to 0%, but the percentage of the latter is still very low (due to the nature of Parmigiano Reggiano as a whole). We are talking about a very low-fat and genuine cheese, whose ingredients (as for all other ripenings on the other hand) are reduced to: Salt, Milk and Rennet.
The uses of Parmesan Cheese 18 Months in the kitchen
As with all other ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, there are two uses for it in the kitchen: combining it in aperitifs/tastings and using it in recipes.
For the first case, 18-month Parmigiano Reggiano is perfect, one of the most suitable maturations.
Why? Well, less mature cheeses, given their delicacy, are generally more enjoyable raw because we can appreciate their taste better that way. Even 18-month Parmigiano Reggiano is no exception, however, presenting a delicacy ‘veined’ by the typically strong flavour of Parmesan. We can accompany it nicely with vegetables and fresh fruit, pickles and pickled oils, cold meats and cheeses. We recommend fruity white wines (whether still or with bubbles).
If we talk instead about recipes, the advice is to use it in first courses or appetisers that are fresh and balanced in flavour such as salads, cold pastas, typically Mediterranean first courses, etc.
If you had any doubts or curiosity about 18-month Parmigiano Reggiano, now you know all its secrets!
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