ASI is the largest importer of Grana Padano in the U.S. and Zanetti has the highest market share in the U.S. Exclusively imported by ASI for 60-years, Zanetti is the largest private producer of Grana Padano in Italy.
Grana Padano
"Grana" means granular and this D.O.P. cheese is Italy’s most popular Parmesan. Following a 1000-year old tradition, it is made in Northern Italy around the Po Valley, in an area slightly larger than Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Cheese production adheres to the following tradition: Evening and morning milk are mixed; the milk is heated and curdled in copper vats and then the wheel is cured in brine. The wheels are brushed and turned throughout aging under a controlled temperature of 18-20 C degrees and 85% humidity. All regulations, including periodic testing, are controlled by the Consorzio Grana Padano. The clover leaf symbol of the Consorzio is on the rind of approved cheese. Date of production and the factory number are on the rind for all to see. (See chart below.)
The 75# concave wheel, with a straw-colored paste, has a sweet, nutty flavor with crunchy consistency. It is an extremely versatile cheese for use in cooking. Grate, shave or shred on pasta, salad or vegetables. Eat as a snack or for dessert. Grana Padano, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, is high in calcium and low in fat.
Zanetti Stravecchio Grana Padano
Aged 22-24 Months
Zanetti Extra Grana Padano
Aged 20-22 Months
Grassi Grana Padano
Aged 16-18 Months
| Extra Grana Padano Peerless | Grassi Grana Padano Superior | |
|---|---|---|
| Aging | Aged minumum 18 months | Aged 16-18 months |
| Paste | Compact body; No cracks or eye formation |
1 or 2 horiz. cracks no vertical cracks |
| Rind | No rind defects | No rind defects |
| Taste | Perfect flavor | Consistent, except around cracks |