"Parmigiano Reggiano" and "Parmesan" are Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) for cheese produced in these provinces under Italian and European law.
Outside the European Union, the name "Parmesan" can be legally used for similar cheeses. The designation "Parmigiano Reggiano" refers only to the original Italian cheese.
Cheese making dates back at least to the 12th century.
From that time, more precisely from 1170, there is a document confirming the purchase of cheese by the court of King Henry II. At that time, 4640 kilograms were ordered.
