Taste what Europe does best with Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese

Whether you're creating a simple spread or a quick Monday night pasta dish, you're guaranteed a great meal with Grana Padano PDO cheese and Prosciutto di Parma PDO.

Published: Thursday 6th August 2026

Kitchen Essentials

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We might not be taking a trip to Europe this year, but we can still explore the flavours when dinner time rolls around. There's a quiet confidence to Italian ingredients that have been unchanged for centuries. These foods don't need constant reinvention — just quality ingredients, expert care and time.

Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese are two icons of culinary tradition that continue to earn their place on Canadian tables. Whether you're creating a simple but showstopping aperitivo spread, a quick Monday night pasta dish or a shaved zucchini salad dusted with cheese, you're guaranteed a great meal.

Both Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese belong to the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system — a certification that guarantees authenticity, quality and a deep connection to the region where the product is made. In other words, when you see the PDO seal, you know you’re tasting tradition exactly as intended.

Prosciutto di Parma PDO

Prosciutto di Parma PDO is created using just a few special ingredients and time-honoured traditions in the Parma region of Italy. Only hind legs from specific heritage breed pigs raised in 11 approved regions of Italy and sea salt are used to create this 100 per cent natural, PDO-certified product. The pigs are fed a simple diet of cereals and whey.

Additives and preservatives are prohibited, meaning that the silky, salty taste of Prosciutto di Parma PDO comes from the air of the Parma region and long-term aging, working its delicious magic. Enjoy the sweet, salty cured ham in everything from charcuterie boards to pizza, sandwiches and melon salads. Or pair it with warm focaccia and a glass of crisp white wine, and suddenly hosting feels effortless.

Grana Padano PDO cheese

Then there's Grana Padano PDO cheese. Made in Northern Italy's Po River Valley from raw, semi-skimmed cow's milk, the cheese is aged for at least nine months. Each wheel is carefully tested for appearance, aroma, and texture. Only the finest wheels are awarded the fire-branded logo and officially graded as Grana Padano PDO cheese.

Together, Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese exemplify a slow and intentional way of eating. Why overcomplicate things when two delicious ingredients are rooted in traditional craftsmanship and regional pride? Make cooking easy, and taste what Europe does best.

Toasted Orzo with Prosciutto di Parma, Grana Padano and Peas

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup orzo
1 clove garlic, minced
¾ tsp salt
1½ cups water
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
⅓ cup grated Grana Padano cheese
2 Tbsp heavy cream
60g Prosciutto di Parma, roughly chopped

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add the orzo and garlic, then cook, stirring, until the orzo is golden brown, about 5 minutes.

2. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes.

3. Remove orzo from heat. Stir in peas, cheese, heavy cream and prosciutto. Serve immediately.

Want to learn more about the PDO system and find recipe inspiration for Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese? Visit 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.

Kitchen Essentials