Is Parmesan a protected name?

Is Parmesan a protected name?

Both “Parmigiano-Reggiano” and “Parmesan” are protected designations of origin (PDO) for cheeses produced in these provinces under Italian and European law. Outside the EU, the name “Parmesan” can legally be used for similar cheeses, with only the full Italian name unambiguously referring to PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Is Parmesan cheese copyrighted?

Leo Bertozzi, said “[The court’s judgment] demonstrates that true protection is possible when working tenaciously and seriously.” He continued, “The [ECJ] has stated that Parmesan can be used only to identify Parmigiano Reggiano. The name is protected and even its translations are protected.”

Can Parmesan only be made in Italy?

Among cheese aficionados, Parmesan is literally synonymous with Parmigiano Reggiano, a cheese that, by both European Union and United States laws, can be produced only in the neighboring historical regions of Parma and Reggio in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna. And most of the world did so—except the US, that is.

What is DOP in Parmigiano?

You will see the DOP acronym feature on every wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano – and if you are confused about what that mean you are not alone. In the US it is translated to “Protected Designation of Origin” or PDO.

Is Parmigiano the same as parmesan?

In the European Union, “parmesan” is accepted as a translation of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Within these countries, the two terms refer to the same cheese.

Where does Parmesan come from?

Italy

Parmigiano Reggiano
Country of origin Italy
Region Emilia-Romagna Lombardy
Town Provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna (west of the Reno) and Mantua (on the right/south bank of the Po)
Source of milk Cows

Is Parmesan cheese inflammatory?

Although the omega-3 content in parmesan is meagre compared to the amount present in seafood, it offers a reasonable amount of the fatty acids, considering cheese is a vegetarian food. These fatty acids play a role in reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving vascular function.

Why can you only make Parmesan in Italy?

It is produced only in Italy, in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua (partly) and Bologna (partly). This means that the way they are made and the region in Italy they come from are strictly controlled. The brand (Parmigiano Reggiano) is protected, and only in Europe.

What does DOP stand for?

Protected Designation of Origin
DOP stands for Denominazione d’ Origine Protetta, in English this translates to Protected Designation of Origin.

Is pecorino romano the same as Parmigiano-Reggiano?

While the visual distinctions are a fun and simple way to tell these two Italian cheeses apart, the most important difference is the milk source. Parmigiano-Reggiano is made from cow’s milk, while classic Pecorino Romano is sourced from sheep .

What makes Parmigiano Reggiano a protected product?

Moreover, parmigiano is now a protected product, carrying the Protected Denomination of of Origin (PDO) designation. The traditions around this historical cheese, now a symbol for Italian made products, are protected and maintained by the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano (the Consortium for Parmesan from Reggiano).

Where does Parmesan cheese come from in the EU?

The European Union’s highest court has upheld the bloc’s principle of protected food names, ruling that only “Parmigiano Reggiano” — or those cheeses made in Italy — can be sold as “Parmesan.” Everyone knows it, and virtually everyone enjoys it: grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled across a steaming bowl of pasta.

What is a Protected Designation of Origin ( PDO )?

A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is part of the Protected Geographical Status system in the European Union (EU). This framework is designed to protect the integrity of European food and drink by carefully legislating the labeling of certain European products.

Which is the only hard cheese that can legally be called Parmesan?

In 2008, European courts decreed that Parmigiano Reggiano is the only hard cheese that can legally be called Parmesan. In so doing, they acknowledged the historical fact that the word can be traced to Parma and that consumers associate the cheese with its origin in the Parma-Reggio region of Italy.