Phrases › At the Supermarket › Avete Parmigiano Reggiano?

Avete Parmigiano Reggiano?

Do you have Parmigiano Reggiano?

Pronunciation

'Parmigiano' — 'par-mi-JA-no'. Five syllables, stress on fourth. The 'gi' = 'j' sound.

When to use it

Asking for Italy's most famous cheese. Always specify 'Parmigiano Reggiano' — 'Parmesan' in Italian law refers only to the DOP version from the Parma/Reggio Emilia area.

What it means

'Parmigiano Reggiano' is a legally protected name (DOP). Only cheese produced in specific areas of Emilia-Romagna can legally bear this name. 'Grana Padano' is similar but produced in a wider area and less aged.

Variations

Lo vuole al banco o confezionato?

Do you want it at the counter or packaged?

Staff will ask — freshly cut is always better

Quanti mesi di stagionatura?

How many months of ageing?

Parmigiano is aged 12, 24 or 36+ months — more = stronger flavour

Preferisco il ventiquattro mesi.

I prefer the twenty-four months.

24-month is the most popular — balanced flavour and texture

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Avete Parmigiano Reggiano? Commessa: Sì — al banco abbiamo da dodici, ventiquattro e trentasei mesi. Preferisce? Cliente: Il ventiquattro mesi per cucinare e il trentasei per mangiarlo. Commessa: Ottima scelta — due gusti diversi.

Customer: Do you have Parmigiano Reggiano? Assistant: Yes — at the counter we have twelve, twenty-four and thirty-six months. Which do you prefer? Customer: The twenty-four months for cooking and the thirty-six for eating. Assistant: Excellent choice — two different flavours.

Cultural Note

Parmigiano Reggiano is often called the 'King of Italian cheeses'. The consortium (Consorzio) strictly monitors production. A wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano weighs about 40kg and takes 600 litres of milk to make — explaining its price and prestige.

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