How many ways
can you spell

Parmigiano Reggiano?

ONLY ONE WAY, ACTUALLY – BUT IT HAS NOT STOPPED PEOPLE FROM TRYING

We doubt that many other brand names are misspelled or mispronounced as often as Parmigiano Reggiano. It is definitely a long and complicated name – and it is very difficult to say, let alone write, for English speaking people. In this article, we take a look at the many different ways the name has been modified in the US, and the challenges that this presents for people who want to enjoy the real thing.

Let’s do a little experiment.

Imagine that you’re having a party. You’ve invited a few friends you haven’t seen in a while, and you want to treat them to a nice spread with appetizers and wine. Your friend Paolo is coming. He’s quite a foodie…so you want to get some good stuff for your table – or you’ll never hear the end of it. If he sees processed cheese he will tease you about it all night.

Now, take out a pen and a piece of paper and start writing your shopping list: good red wine (cabernet from Napa and a nice bottle of Sangiovese), a couple of sourdough baguettes, good salami and prosciutto, fresh fruits (figs, pears and grapes), a few Kalamata olives, and a couple of cheeses – mozzarella, gorgonzola, and…what’s the name of that great Italian hard cheese that your friend Paolo loves?

If you can’t remember how to spell it, you’re not alone.

Most English speaking people have a hard time remembering how to say Parmigiano Reggiano. It is clearly a very long and complicated name. Unless you are Italian it is challenging to pronounce it properly – let alone trying to spell it correctly. As a result, people often use other names as a substitute. If you don’t buy the real thing your friend Paolo will point it out. He’s picky about cheeses and he may lecture you about the importance of buying authentic Parmigiano Reggiano.

Parmigiano Reggiano is a legally protected name.

Parmigiano Reggiano is a legally protected name. It is the name of the cheese proudly made by Italian artisans in a very specific region according to traditional methods, using three simple ingredients: milk, salt and rennet. The milk, for example has to come from cows that are fed only local forage. It’s the cheese that your friend Paolo raves about. The one with the great texture, subtle aroma, and complex taste.

How is the name misspelled?

Following is a list (far from comprehensive) of different ways that we’ve seen people spell the name Parmigiano Reggiano. By the way, this includes the way it appears on recipes, editorial articles, social media hashtags, product names, etc.

If you want the real thing, look for the dots.

One way to make sure you are buying the authentic cheese from Italy is to look for the dots on the rind of the cheese. No cheese other than Parmigiano Reggiano can use this distinctive pattern, so it is the easiest way to identify the cheese that your friend Paolo loves so much. Now that you know, head to the store and start putting together that great spread.

Buon appetito!