When it comes to food, Europe does it best – especially when tradition, terroir and time come into play. Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese are perfect examples of this delicious legacy: crafted with generations of know-how, protected under the European Union’s strict GI (Geographical Indication) standards, and beloved around the world for their unmistakable flavour and unmatched authenticity.
These aren’t just ingredients – they’re icons of European excellence, made the same way for centuries and impossible to replicate outside their designated regions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or assembling a snack board, these PDO-certified products bring quality, flavour, provenance – plus a generous helping of European culinary flair – to the table.
Why Prosciutto di Parma PDO is one of Europe’s most iconic cured hams
Prosciutto di Parma PDO has been crafted in Italy’s Parma province for more than 2,000 years, with records dating back to Roman times. Silky, sweet and air-cured for over a year, this celebrated Italian ham is made exclusively from specially raised pigs and sea salt – nothing else. As the prosciutto ages in the rolling hills of Parma, the dry mountain air naturally draws out moisture, slowly concentrating the flavour while keeping the meat tender and delicately sweet. Each slice tells a story of tradition and restraint, with no shortcuts allowed. Look for the golden Parma crown that further guarantees quality and authenticity.
Grana Padano PDO cheese: A staple you need in your kitchen
With roots in 12th-century monastic traditions, this cheese is made from semi-skimmed raw milk and aged for a minimum of nine months. It’s a crumbly, nutty, lactose-free hard cheese that’s beloved for its versatility. It’s produced in the Po River Valley (Pianura Padana) in northern Italy, where the rich grasslands feed the cows and shape the flavour of the milk – giving the cheese its distinct nutty, savoury taste and strong connection to its origin. When buying Grana Padano PDO cheese, check the rind for small, diamond-shaped lozenges with “GRANA” and “PADANO” written within them.
A flavour power pairing: Prosciutto di Parma PDO meets Grana Padano PDO cheese
On their own, Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese are showstoppers. But together? They’re culinary chemistry in action. The mellow, savoury flavour and creamy notes of Grana Padano balance the buttery, aged sweetness of Prosciutto di Parma, creating the ultimate pairing for entertaining, snacking or an elevated midweek lunch. Think of it as Europe’s version of peanut butter and jelly – only far more elegant.
3 no-fuss ways to enjoy these European classics
1. Prosciutto di Parma PDO & Grana Padano PDO Cheese + Grissini
This no-fuss classic is all about texture: Wrap delicate slices of Prosciutto di Parma PDO around a crunchy Italian breadstick and top with shavings of Grana Padano PDO cheese. Serve with a glass of bubbly and you’ve got a one-bite wonder that’s chic, simple, and unmistakably European.
2. Prosciutto di Parma PDO Caprese sandwich
A fresh twist on an Italian classic: Layer ripe tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, baked eggplant slices, arugula and Prosciutto di Parma PDO on an egg twist roll, then top it off with fresh basil aioli. It’s savoury, juicy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
3. Grana Padano PDO Cheese & Kale Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese up a notch. Sauté kale with a little garlic, then sandwich it between slices of sourdough with generous layers of Grana Padano PDO cheese. Toast until golden and crisp. The result? Crunch, creaminess, and deep, umami-rich flavour in every bite.
Look for the PDO Label: Your guide to authentic Italian taste
When you shop, look for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal. This guarantees you’re getting the real thing – crafted according to centuries-old traditions and certified by the European Union for quality, origin, and taste.
Learn more at www.distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu
