Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese History
Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese, in the familiar green canister, was first introduced in the United States in 1945. It arrived in Canada a year later and has now been a part of the Italian meal tradition for over 60 years!
Today, for thousands of people, shaking on the grated Parmesan cheese is the finishing touch that signals permission to share good food in the company of those that you love.
Parmesan Cheese: A 'Secret weapon' for the Ages
Cheese has been described as "Milk's leap to Immortality", a monumental event occurring over 6,000 years ago. It has been found in Sumerian cuneiform tablets of 4,000 BC, and in cheese pots found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The word derives from the Latin word "caseus", which was adapted into old English as "cese", and eventually "cheese".
The Legend of Discovery
An unknown equestrian, left on a long journey to his love with a ration of milk, which he kept in a leather pouch. After several hours riding, he stopped to quench his thirst. To his surprise, the solids and liquids had separated. He tried the solid portion and loved it, whereupon he presented it to his love!
Legends in the writings of Otesia, a scholar of 400BC, also tells of the story of an Assyrian queen, Semiramis, who was fed throughout her childhood by birds who brought cheese made by shepherds. Ancient Greeks believed cheese to be of Divine origin. Aristaeus, son of Apollo, was the "giver of cheese", to be consumed by the fairest gods on Olympus.
Parmesan (Parmagiano-Reggiano)
Parmesan, the 'Queen of the Italian cheeses' originated from a family of 'grana' cheeses documented by Homer as early as 8th century BC. Old Etruscan traditions persevered over centuries and Parmesan's official birthplace is now recognized as the town of Bibbiano near Piacenza in the province of Parma.
Parmesan was a 'secret weapon' used by Roman legionnaires, for it kept them strong and lasted for their long journeys into battles. Soon after, the Romans flavoured their stores of Parmesan with spices from the Far East, thus creating a flavourful cheese that kept well whilst maintaining its sharp, tangy, and zesty flavour.
Another legend has it that near the town of Parma, Italy, there was a mountain made entirely of grated parmesan cheese. Atop the mountain, a community of macaroni makers prepared hot pasta, bathed it in butter, and rolled it down the mountain to the hungry people waiting below. Unfortunately, this delicious story is just a legend.
In reality, Parmesan is one of the oldest Italian cheeses. It was developed about 400 years ago in the castled city of Parma.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Nutrition/Composition:
Q: What is Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese made of?
A: Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese starts with milk that has been pasteurized. Cheese cultures, enzymes, and salt are added.
Q: How is Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese made?
A: Grated Parmesan is made by taking parmesan cheese and grinding or grating it into a smaller, granular form. Moisture may or may not be removed from the cheese after grating before packing by some form of drying process.
Q: What is the difference between Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese and Kraft 100% Parmesan Shredded Cheese?
A: Parmesan Shredded Cheese and Parmesan Grated Cheese begin with the same cheese. A cheese is referred to as "shredded" if the particles are in the form of cylinders, shreds, or strings. A cheese is called grated when it has been dried and ground into a more granular form.
Q: Is the milk used in Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese pasteurized?
A: All Parmesan produced by Kraft is made from pasteurized milk.
Health/Composition:
Q: Does Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese qualify as Kosher?
A: Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese is not Kosher. While most/all ingredients used in the production of Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese are Kosher, the cheese itself has not been classified as Kosher by a rabbinical agency.
Q: I am lactose intolerant. Does Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese contain lactose?
A: Kraft cheeses, including Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese are not recommended as lactose-free.
Q: I am a strict vegetarian. Are there any animal products or enzymes in Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese?
A: Some enzymes used to develop flavor in parmesan cheese are derived from animals.
Freshness/Storage:
Q: How should my Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese be stored if it hasn't been opened?
A: Store unopened in a cool dry cabinet. It is completely safe when stored in the pantry. It is not necessary to refrigerate unopened product. If your Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese was refrigerated at time of purchase, we recommend keeping it refrigerated at home, otherwise the temperature variances may affect the quality of the product.
Q: How should my Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese be stored once it has been opened?
A: It is NOT necessary to refrigerate opened product, however, refrigeration will help to ensure the best flavor and quality of the product.
Q: Can I freeze my Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese?
A: We do not recommend freezing this product, not because it is a health or safety hazard, but because the quality of the product may decrease if frozen. Freezing this product may negatively affect texture and flavor.
