The spelling of the word "parmesan" can be a bit tricky. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈpɑr-mə/, with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is pronounced /ˈzæn/, with a short "a" sound. The final syllable is pronounced / ən/. The word comes from the Italian city of Parma, famous for its cheese. It is often used to describe a type of hard, salty cheese similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano. When spelling "parmesan," be sure to remember the "s" in the middle, not "c" as in "parmecian."
Parmesan, alternatively known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a type of hard, salty Italian cheese. Derived from cow's milk, it is produced primarily in the regions of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua in Italy. Parmesan cheese has a distinct grainy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that intensifies with aging.
The production process involves meticulously selecting high-quality milk from cows fed solely on specific local forages. After milking, the cheese curds are cooked and pressed into molds to expel any remaining whey. Following this, the cheeses are immersed in a brine solution for several weeks to boost the development of savory and crystalline traits.
Aged for a minimum period of 12 months, Parmesan takes on a hard and brittle structure. However, some wheels are aged up to 36 months, resulting in an even drier and stronger cheese. The lengthy aging process enhances the cheese's complex flavors and crumbly texture, making it suitable for grating rather than slicing or melting. Parmesan is famous for its versatility and is often used as a condiment or a centerpiece ingredient in various Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, soups, and salads.
Being an integral part of Italian cuisine, Parmesan holds a special place in the culinary world. Recognized for its superior quality and distinctive taste, Parmesan cheese has gained international popularity and has become an essential item in many households and professional kitchens around the globe.
Of or from Parma, in Italy; applied to a particular kind of cheese.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Parmesan" has its origins in the Italian language. It is derived from the name of the city of Parma, which is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The word "Parmesan" is an anglicized version of the Italian term "Parmigiano" or "Parmigiano-Reggiano", which refers to the renowned hard cheese produced in the regions of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. Hence, the term "Parmesan" is connected to the geographical origin and traditional production of this particular type of cheese.