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When it comes to tradition, Europe has very few rivals for taste and authenticity. Among Europe's most cherished culinary treasures are Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese — two world-renowned products that embody centuries of craftsmanship and give a distinctive taste of place. Now, a campaign from the European Union is spotlighting these products for Canadian consumers and letting them explore the unmatched quality of these Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) specialties.
What is PDO, and why does it matter?
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label isn't just a logo — it's a guarantee. The PDO certification ensures that the product you're buying has gone through every stage of production, processing and preparation in a specific region using traditional methods. The badge of honour promises consumers authenticity in every bite.
Both Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese carry this designation, which offers a genuine taste of their Italian regions, crafted according to methods passed down through makers across generations.
Prosciutto di Parma PDO: Patience pays off
In the hills surrounding Parma, Prosciutto di Parma is created with just two ingredients: Italian pork and sea salt. You won't find any additives or preservatives — just sweet, savoury, melt-in-your-mouth cured ham that's as delicious from the first to the fiftieth time you eat it.
Add to sandwiches at lunch, wrap it around melon for a special gathering, or simply eat it while drooling over the kitchen counter. However you enjoy it, Prosciutto di Parma has the power to make every occasion special.
Grana Padano PDO cheese: Slow-ripened deliciousness
Though it is prevalent in today's modern kitchens, Grana Padano PDO cheese was first produced by monks in the 12th century. Grana Padano cheese comes from the fertile Po River Valley and is a hard, slow-ripened cheese characterized by its rich, nutty flavour and crumbly texture.
The traditional cheese is developed through a careful aging process that takes anywhere from nine to over 24 months. Grate this European icon over pasta or add to a cheeseboard with fresh fruit, nuts and honey.
Bring European excellence to your table
It's little wonder that these flavours have endured for centuries. These European icons aren't just food — they're a symbol of patience and pride. They tell a story of Parma's curing process and generations-old cellars, stacked to the ceiling with iconic wheels of cheese. In a world of imitations, you can guarantee that Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese were made traditionally, unlike other grocery store varieties. When you pick them up, you're not just buying dinner — you're bringing a piece of European culinary heritage home.
The next time you're planning a weeknight meal or special dinner party, look for Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese. You might not make it to Europe this year, but your taste buds can take a trip at the dinner table with a one-way ticket to some of the most delicious flavours in the world.
Learn more about the PDO system and the products it covers at: distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
