Tag: Parmesan cheese

Dating back to ancient Roman times, Pecorino Romano served as a staple for Roman soldiers due to its nutritional value and extended shelf life. Today, this ancient cheese faces a modern-day comparison with its northern Italian counterpart, Parmesan, leaving many home cooks to wonder which is better, Romano or Parmesan cheese for their culinary needs.

With approximately 111 calories per one-ounce serving, hard parmesan cheese is an energy-dense food, a fact that often leads to questions about its role in a healthy diet. The real nutritional story is more nuanced than a simple number, so is parmesan very caloric or is that a misunderstanding?

According to a 2016 investigation by *Inside Edition*, some brands of "100% grated parmesan" were found to contain up to 21.6% cellulose, far exceeding regulatory guidelines. This startling finding has many people questioning whether pre-grated parmesan cheese is healthy and what exactly they are paying for.

According to a 2016 Bloomberg report, some grated and powdered parmesan products sold in the US contained significant amounts of cellulose—an anti-caking agent derived from wood pulp. This raised the crucial question: Is powdered Parmesan real cheese, or is it a processed imitation? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

With a single ounce of Parmesan providing over a quarter of your daily calcium, it's a nutritional powerhouse. But is Parmesan cheese the healthiest cheese overall, or do its high sodium and fat content hold it back from the top spot?

While many people assume pesto is a vegetarian-friendly sauce made from basil, pine nuts, and oil, a 2023 survey found that a significant number of vegetarians were unaware that traditional versions contain an animal product. This hidden ingredient is the primary reason why classic pesto is off-limits for those who follow a vegetarian diet.

According to Beyond Celiac, most natural, firm cheeses like Parmesan are typically gluten-free, but processed varieties can contain additives that pose a risk. This creates a common point of confusion, making it vital to understand if Parmesan cheese is ok for celiacs by differentiating between its various forms.

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, making ingredient scrutiny a daily reality. For those with gluten sensitivity, clarifying the safety of pantry staples is crucial, especially for a popular food like Parmesan cheese. The question, 'Which Parmesan cheese is gluten-free?' is a common concern that can be answered by understanding how the product is made and processed.

While cheese is often considered a food that raises cholesterol, recent studies show that moderate consumption of aged cheese, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, may not have the detrimental impact once assumed. The key lies in understanding its nutritional composition and how it fits into a balanced, heart-healthy diet.

Since umami taste receptors were scientifically identified in 2002, the debate over sources has grown. But what is the most popular umami, and does it come from a synthesized additive like MSG or a natural, everyday ingredient like tomatoes or cheese?