Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano

It is almost impossible to divide these two cheeses, but the differences between the two are many. Although technically both cheeses are made in almost exactly the same way, there is a perceptible difference in flavour. The history of parmigiano and grana goes back to the twelfth century, when the Po Valley was turned from waterlogged soil to fertile land suitable for the grazing of cows and sheep.

Parmigiano reggiano used to be made only between 1 April and 11 November, but today both types of cheese can be produced throughout the year. However, the cows that produce the milk for parmigiano reggiano can only be fed on grass and hay, but the cows producing the milk for grana padano can be fed on many other foods as well. In general, it takes longer to age parmigiano reggiano than grana padano, and parmigiano reggiano does not contain any additives to aid fermentation.