Parrano
Parrano is a Dutch cow's milk cheese aged five months, mild and nutty with salty and sweet notes. It is technically a Gouda but sold as an Italian-style cheese, and it shreds, slices and melts easily.
Key Facts
| Country of Origin | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | The Netherlands |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized |
| Rind | Plastic |
| Texture | Hard, artisan |
| Flavor | Mild, nutty |
| Aroma | Sweet |
| Colors | Pale yellow |
| Forms | 20 lb (9.1 kg) wheels |
| Age | 5 months |
| Also Known As | Prima Donna |
What is Parrano Cheese?
Parrano is made in the Netherlands from cow's milk. It is technically a Gouda, though its flavour is more pronounced than that of traditional Gouda, and it is marketed as an Italian-style cheese. Taglines have included "The Dutch cheese that thinks it's Italian" and "Sort of Italian."
The milk is pasteurized. Wheels weigh 20 lb (9.1 kg) and age for five months.
The paste is smooth and golden, the texture semi-firm and pliant. It tastes mild and nutty, with salty and sweet flavours together, close to the flavour of aged Parmesan.
Parrano shreds, slices and melts easily, which suits it to cooking, snacking and entertaining. It goes with many cuisines and works especially well in Italian dishes.
Two trademarked brands dominate the market: Parrano, produced exclusively by Uniekaas Groep, and its main competitor Prima Donna, from Vandersterre Groep. Parrano took a gold medal for Best of class, Gouda at the 2006 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, and was first runner up for the World Champion Cheese Title.
How Does Parrano Cheese Compare?
The most relevant cheeses to compare Parrano against.
