parmigiano reggiano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, culinary, descriptive
Quick answer
What does “parmigiano reggiano” mean?
A hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk, produced under strict regulations in specific regions of Italy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk, produced under strict regulations in specific regions of Italy.
Often used as a benchmark for high-quality, aged Italian hard cheeses and as a premium ingredient in cooking and fine dining. Also used metaphorically to denote something of the highest standard in its category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the full Italian name is common in formal/food writing, but 'Parmesan' is the dominant everyday term. In the US, 'Parmesan' is also dominant, but 'Parmigiano Reggiano' is used specifically to denote the authentic PDO product vs. generic 'Parmesan'.
Connotations
Using the full Italian name connotes knowledgeability, a focus on authenticity, and often a premium product in both varieties, but slightly more so in American culinary contexts.
Frequency
The full term is low-frequency in everyday speech in both varieties but appears with moderate frequency in food writing, menus, and gourmet contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “parmigiano reggiano” in a Sentence
[verb] + Parmigiano Reggiano (grate/serve/buy)Parmigiano Reggiano + [verb] (melts/complements/costs)[adjective] + Parmigiano Reggiano (aged/grated/authentic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parmigiano reggiano” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Parmigiano Reggiano crust was perfectly crisp.
- We offer a Parmigiano Reggiano tasting experience.
American English
- The Parmigiano Reggiano rind can be used for stock.
- This is a true Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in import/export, gourmet food retail, and restaurant supply contexts.
Academic
Appears in papers on food history, gastronomy, agricultural economics, and EU PDO regulations.
Everyday
Used when discussing recipes, shopping for special ingredients, or dining at Italian restaurants.
Technical
Used in cheesemaking, dairy science, and culinary arts, referring to specific aging periods (e.g., stravecchio), production methods, and certification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parmigiano reggiano”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parmigiano reggiano”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parmigiano reggiano”
- Misspelling (e.g., 'Parmesian Reggiano', 'Parmigiana Reggiano').
- Using it as a plural ('Parmigianos Reggianos').
- Confusing it with the dish 'Parmigiana' (e.g., chicken Parmigiana).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, 'Parmesan' is the English term for it. However, strictly speaking, 'Parmigiano Reggiano' is the PDO-protected name for the cheese from specific Italian regions. 'Parmesan' can be used generically for similar hard cheeses made elsewhere.
It is aged for a minimum of 12 months, but often for 24, 36, or even 40+ months for more complex, crystalline varieties.
The cost reflects the strict production methods, the large quantity of milk required per wheel (about 550 litres), the long ageing process (tying up capital and storage space), and the PDO certification process.
The rind is edible but very hard. It is often used to flavour soups, stews, and sauces by simmering and then removed before serving.
A hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk, produced under strict regulations in specific regions of Italy.
Parmigiano reggiano is usually formal, culinary, descriptive in register.
Parmigiano reggiano: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɑːmɪˌdʒɑːnəʊ rɛˈdʒɑːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑrməˌdʒɑnoʊ rɛˈdʒɑnoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common English idioms; the term is literal.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PARMa (for Parma, the region) + GIANO (like a giant wheel of cheese) + REGGIO (for Reggio Emilia, the other region) = Parmigiano Reggiano'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GENUINE ARTICLE / THE GOLD STANDARD (e.g., 'This is the Parmigiano Reggiano of hiking boots').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary legal distinction of Parmigiano Reggiano?