Buy parmigiano reggiano, and forget processed supermarket parmesan cheese; authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is a whole story altogether. Classified as DOP cheese, Parmigiano's methods of production are strictly controlled by a consortium. Traditionally, Parmigiano is used shaved over pastas and salads, or dipped into aged Aceto Balsamico. Dry and hard due to its extremely long aging, Parmigiano has a granular texture that easily breaks into slivers - irresistible to pop into the mouth.