Tools of Parmigiano Reggiano: An Insider’s Guide
Parmigiano Reggiano is a precious and prized cheese, whose production process involves the use of specific tools with precise functions. An experienced cheesemaker must skillfully navigate these instruments to complete the production in the best possible way.
In this article, we’ll explore the main tools integral to the world of Parmigiano Reggiano, from those used by cheesemakers to the most useful accessories to have on your table for the best tasting experience.
The Tools of Parmigiano Reggiano
Visiting the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum in Soragna reveals the vast array of tools involved in cheese production. Here are the primary tools we’ll delve into in detail:
- Vat
- Spannarola
- Spino
- Casein Identification Band
- Hammer
Vat
The vat is a crucial tool in Parmigiano Reggiano production. This traditional bell-shaped container can hold up to 1100 liters of milk, from which two wheels of cheese are produced. Each vat has a personalized seal with an identification number at the bottom, representing the product’s fingerprint. This seal ensures the cheese’s quality remains unaltered throughout the production stages.
Spannarola
The spannarola, a large metal mesh net with a removable handle, is used to divide the curd and form the two wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano. The spannarola must be of precise dimensions to ensure the products meet the DOP standards.
Usage:
Once the milk reaches the right temperature, the cheesemaker inserts the spannarola into the vat, moving it slowly to aggregate the casein molecules into large curd masses. With the help of a hammer or spino, the cheesemaker gently separates the curd into two parts and places them in casein identification bands. After a resting phase, the cheese undergoes further aging for at least 12 months.
Spino
The spino, a thin steel needle with a rounded tip, uniformly and delicately separates the curd before it is divided into two parts. Used primarily in the final production stage, the spino helps prepare the cheese for aging. Circular movements with the spino ensure the curd is correctly separated to obtain two uniform wheels. It also serves as a maturity gauge, allowing an experienced cheesemaker to determine the cheese’s age by analyzing its elasticity and consistency.
Casein Identification Band
After the lifting and forming phases, the warm wheels (around 55°C) are drained from the whey wrapped in a linen cloth for about a day. The cloth is then removed, and the wheels are placed in a round mold with a marking band. This band permanently imprints essential information, including:
- Parmigiano Reggiano inscription
- Producer dairy’s registration number
- Month and year of production
- Health mark
- Space for the Selection Mark, confirming perfect aging after about 12 months
Hammer
The hammer is used by inspectors to assess the quality of Parmigiano Reggiano. It helps detect any anomalies in the cheese’s aging process, checking for imperfections and structural properties. It also serves as a maturity gauge, with the elasticity of the cheese indicating its age.
Accessories for Parmigiano Reggiano: Best for Enjoying It to the Fullest
Cutting Parmigiano Reggiano correctly is an art. Here are some tips and tools to maximize your enjoyment:
Cheese Knives:
Italy’s vast range of cheeses requires different knives for cutting. The essential Parmigiano Reggiano knife, with its short, pointed blade, is designed to facilitate penetration and act as a wedge.
Cheese Slicer:
A steel cheese slicer is perfect for adding thin, precise flakes of cheese to salads, sandwiches, and carpaccios.
Graters:
Graters are symbolic tools for Parmigiano, essential for transforming and enhancing dishes like pasta.
Storage and Presentation: How to Handle Parmigiano Reggiano
Cheese Bowls and Holders:
Ceramic cheese bowls shaped like Parmigiano Reggiano keep cheese fresh and present it beautifully at the table.
Slate Trays and Boards:
For an aesthetically pleasing table, slate trays and boards are perfect for serving cheeses and cold cuts, enhancing both the presentation and practicality of your dining experience.
Explore these tools and accessories to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition behind every wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano.