Balance of Food

For those who think true Parmesan cheese comes from a green shaker can, you might not think this story is a big deal. To those in Parma in Italy, this is a big deal. The standard for what makes Parmesan cheese differs depending on the country. In Italy, at least a year. The U.S. standard is 10 months. However, Kraft Foods says it can speed the process and wants a six-month standard. To clarify the difference, what is in a name is highly important. Only cheese from Parma and nearby provinces can be called Parmigiano Reggiano. And those dairies are strictly regulated. Elsewhere in the world, the same type of cheese is called Parmesan. My sympathy goes to the Italians on this one. To call what comes out of the green can "parmesan" is an insult to Parma. Especially if you have tasted Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. If Kraft wants to do that, it should change the name. But keep the green can; that is still pretty cool.