Taste what Europe does best.
The producers of Grana Padano PDO Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma PDO are excited to be part of a promotional campaign, funded by the European Union, to celebrate the legendary quality, tradition and taste of these world–renowned products.
These two products have a lot in common. Each has been made for centuries in a particular location in Italy, each still uses time-honored traditional production methods, and each belongs to an elite group of European products certified under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system, guaranteeing quality and authenticity.
Grana Padano PDO Cheese
Grana Padano PDO Cheese is made in the Po River Valley in Northern Italy, from raw, semi-skimmed cow milk aged. After 9 months of aging, each each wheel is carefully tested for appearance, aroma and texture. Only the best wheels receive the fire-branded logo officially grading them GRANA PADANO PDO cheese.
Naturally lactose free due to the characteristics of its production and long ageing process, Grana Padano is rich in proteins, vitamins and mineral salts, especially calcium. It is excellent for cooking, snacking, on a cheese board, or grated into pasta or soup.
When purchasing pre-packaged wedges, be sure to look for the red and yellow PDO logo and the distinctive yellow Grana Padano logo. Without these logos, it’s not Grana Padano PDO Cheese.
Prosciutto di Parma PDO
The production of Prosciutto di Parma PDO is the story of a special relationship between man and nature. It can be produced only in Parma, Italy, and is identified by the Parma Crown which guarantees its quality and authenticity. Prosciutto di Parma PDO qualifies as a 100% natural product. It contains no additives such as nitrites, nitrates or hormones. Its all-natural aging process creates a wide variation in flavor profiles and textures, from mild and nutty to mature and full-flavored making it a great addition to pizza, sandwiches and salads.
To ensure authenticity when purchasing packages of pre-sliced Prosciutto di Parma, look for the iconic gold Parma Crown in the upper left corner against a black triangle along with the PDO logo. If there is no crown and PDO logo, it’s not Prosciutto di Parma.
What does PDO mean?
PDO (or the acronym in Italian, DOP) is the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin certification system. A PDO logo guarantees high quality, authenticity and traceability that ensures certain production specifications, including:
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Clear boundaries of the geographical area of origin of both the products and the raw materials
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Production methods following traditional, centuries-old recipes and techniques – methods that have proven over time to be safe, effective, and the most flavorful
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Clear labels indicating where and when the products were produced
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Quality and authenticity certification by accredited certifying bodies
The PDO system helps distinguish these foods from their imitators. Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma are protected by Consortiums which control each step of production and help to promote and protect them.
Enjoy Distinctly Delicious Recipes
Food is comfort. And what better way to comfort yourself than with these outstanding culinary treasures guaranteed to feed the soul and warm the heart. We hope you’ll explore the endless ways to use Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma in your kitchen.
The PDO system helps distinguish these foods from their imitators. Grana Padano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma are protected by Consortiums which control each step of production and help to promote and protect them.