Similar to Parmeggiano Reggiano, Grana Padano originates in the Pianura Padana mountains of Italy, first created by monks who used the leftover milk from their meadow-fed cattle. Today it's produced following stringent guidelines of the Grana Padano Consortium in Italy. Grana means "grainy" and refers to the texture of the cheese, which gets finely granular as it ages. But although it is an aged cheese, Grana Padano is not nearly as hard or white as Parmeggiano - it tends to be yellower and creamier. Further differences include a lower fat content, as Grana Padano gets two skims. You'll taste as well some light hay overtones. This makes it very versatile in cuisine; it's great in cooked dishes like meat fillings, excellent shaved over salads or cold dishes, and exquisite when paired with Aceto Balsamico and fig cake for a sweet dessert. Wine Alert! Italian full-bodied red like Barolo |