Friday’s Last Spoonful: Grated Parmesan

A canned variety from back in the day
Kraft introduced grated parmesan in 1945. The Mixed Stew crew, like others, grew up buying the old canisters that were green and red. The product came in 1 oz and 3 oz sizes and consumers couldn’t see the cheesy contents. Consequently, we’ve spent the last several years buying chilled parmesan cheese that’s sold in the dairy case because we’re convinced that it’s a better product because of the temperature controlled setting. Does the canned product get a bad rap since it’s sold on regular store shelves? Is it real parmesan cheese? The front label says, 100% grated parmesan cheese but the product also contains cellulose powder and potassium sorbate. The cellulose powder helps prevent caking and the potassium sorbate helps protect flavor. So depending on your circumstances and needs, use what you must. Sometimes, the nostalgia of a childhood standby adds to the food experience.