Zanetti Grana Padano

Grana means "grainy" or "granular", and this is how the cheese looks when it is cut open. Grana Padano, made in Northern Italy around the Po Valley, is an Italian cow's milk cheese. Controlled by the Grana Padana Consorzio Zanetti, the cheese is aged for a minimum of 18 months and carries a mark on the wheel. It is easily recognized because of the enormous wheels, usually ranging from 70 to 88 pounds. This is a special four-leaf clover and indicates the province of origin.

Look for the Zanetti mark to ensure you are buying the best. Grana Padano could be called the bodybuilder since it is low in fat and very high in protein and calcium. It is easily digested because, during the maturation process, the proteins are broken down into amino acids. 

• Grana Padano cheese is available in three ripening stages.
• Grana Padano, ripened for 9 to 16 months - creamy, slightly grainy texture
• Grana Padano Oltre 16 mesi, ripened over 16 months - crumbly texture 
• Grana Padano Riserva, ripened over 20 months - grainy, crumbly and fully flavoured texture