Question: Parmesan vs Parmigiano
What is the Difference Between Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Answer: Parmesan is the English and American translation of the Italian word Parmigiano-Reggiano. There is also evidence that in the 17th to 19th centuries Parmigiano-Reggiano was called Parmesan in Italy and France.
Since 2008 in the European Union, the word "Parmesan" is defined by law to be only genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. Therefore, within the European Union, Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are the same cheese.
True Parmesan cheese has a hard, gritty texture and is fruity and nutty in taste. Cheeses mocking Parmesan or inferior Parmesan may have a bitter taste. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is mostly grated over pastas, used in soups and risottos. It is also eaten on its own as a snack.