Cheese Corner: A Cheese for Grating

While it lacks the complex flavor and grainy texture of true Parmesan Reggiano, Argentine Parmesan is a perfectly respectable substitute when used as a grating cheese for everyday pastas, salads and salads. Argentine Parmesan is $3.99/lb (in Gourmet Garage stores, Manhattan) and you get what you pay for. A recent taste test revealed to this writer that it is mild and insipid, but with a sharp enough edge to draw flavor and attention as a topping or as part of a sauce. When eaten alone, this cheese is almost rubbery, but is acceptable in texture when grated. Argentine Parmesan is not the cheese to display on a cheese board, but if you need some gratings for a Caesar salad, it will get the job done.