Reader Question: Store-Bought Parmesan Cheese
Last week, we received a question from Mr. Jean-Paul Carlucci in Pittsburgh regarding the evolving taste of Kraft brand Parmesan cheese. Mr.Carlucci asked if we had noticed anything different about the Kraft brand of Parmesan lately, indicating that the flavor seems to be lacking. Mr. Carlucci also asked for recommendations for price comparable Parmesan cheese favorites of ours that would be available in the Pittsburgh area.
Mr. Carlucci, we appreciate your question and take this matter seriously. We will soon conduct an Al Dente Parmesan cheese taste/price test and let you know the results of our findings. Stay tuned for that post in the New Year. (Readers, have you noticed anything different about the taste of Kraft Parmesan cheese? If so, let us know!)
--Sous-Chef-on-the-Run
PS. In the meantime, one of our favorite sites, Epicurious has an insightful dictionary definition of Parmesan cheese. I have a hunch, this will help us in our quest.
fixedgear on December 20, 2007 at 06:56 AM
Who eats Kraft parmesan cheese? I guess that is sort of a rhetorical question, since they sell a lot of it, but c'mon, a green can? Pre-grated?
Can't anyone in America walk into their local grocery store and buy a hunk of the real deal, imported from Italy, for like three bucks? And then grate it using a five buck Oxo Good Grips grater? Is it that exotic?
Billy Hollis on December 20, 2007 at 08:17 AM
To get some taste, just lose the Parmesean and go with asiago cheese. Use a bit less of it, because it's strong. But it's in the same general taste category as Parmesean, and you'll never have to complain about lack of taste.
J. Gooch on December 21, 2007 at 07:38 PM
I think fixedgear is right, you can buy and grate your own. I'm in the other school though, I'd rather have it pre-grated in a can.
Kraft has a parmesan/romano blend widely available that has a little more kick to it than the original parm only.
Hiker Frank on January 31, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Stop & Shop's "in-store" freshly grated cheeses are reasonably priced, almost as good as grating the expensive stuff at home. I pour a little at a time, mixed how I like it, from the bag(s)into an emptied jar of the Kraft stuff.
Nancy D (Canada) on October 01, 2008 at 05:21 AM
I don't know if I'm at the rigt sight or not, Im looking for someone to tell me where I can buy KRAFT grated ROMANO In Canada.
I bought some in Az. when I visited and we all LOVE it.It is sold in the 8oz plastic shaker jar and is 100% ROMANO cheese, NO FILLERS
Thanks for your help in advance!
tabsmom3@hotmail.com