Despite their apparent similarity, there are key differences between Parmesan and Grana Padano. They are both of Italian origin, but from different regions of the country. Parmesan can only be made in Parma, Bologna and Reggio Emilia, whereas Grana Padano is from the Po River Valley. Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan and Grana Padano are known in Italy as ' Grana ' cheeses. Grana is a type of hard, mature cheese with a granular texture, most often used for grating. Grana cheeses are typically made in the form of large wheels. Grana Padano and Parmesan may look similar, as they both have hard, grainy texture, but they are quite different. The making of Grana Padano involves lysozyme as a preservative, and the aging process is quicker. Grana Padano has a softer, subtler flavor, so the cheese is great for cooking. Differences Between Grana Padano and Parmesan. While both cheeses are hard Italian cheeses made using cow's milk, there are some key differences between them. Flavor: As mentioned above, Parmesan has a more pronounced nutty flavor compared to Grana Padano's milder fruity taste. Age: Parmesan is aged for a minimum of 12 months, while Grana .

is grana padano the same as parmesan