🔍
Editions ▾
EspañolEnglish
SavedNewsletterSubscribe
23 September 2026Latest Articles
THE IMPERIAL EPICUREAN GAZETTE
THE WORLD'S TABLE, SERVED EVERY DAY
Most ReadGet the letter
The Private Kitchen
By Clémence Roux, The BakehouseItaly3 min read
Long live summer!

Long live summer!

The days are getting longer, and it seems like the hours are multiplying. We long to spend time outdoors and plan brunches, snacks, and aperitifs to share with loved ones. But summer is also the perfect time to get back in shape, choosing lighter, more nutritious, and refreshing foods.

A concentrate of goodness

Rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, and "good" fats, Grana Padano PDO is a precious source of energy and a true concentrate of milk, as it takes a liter and a half to produce 100 grams. Processing and aging also eliminate lactose and make it highly digestible for all ages. Its nutritional values, equal to 398 calories, 33 g of protein, and 29 g of fat per 100 g of product, make it suitable for athletes or those who are particularly careful about a healthy diet.

From the abbey to the table

Among Italy's most famous and ancient cheeses, Grana Padano PDO has a history spanning nearly a thousand years. It originated when the Benedictine monks of Chiaravalle Abbey discovered a way to preserve excess milk, creating a hard cheese capable of lasting over time. Its Latin name was "Caesus Vetus," but the common people, unfamiliar with the courtly language, gave it another name, "formai de grana," or simply "grana," derived from the distinctive texture of its compact yet grainy texture. During the 1950s, it was officially named "Grana Padano," with the adjective identifying its production area, and the corresponding Protection Consortium was founded. Originally from Lombardy, it is now produced in 32 provinces and five regions of the Po Valley: Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Trentino, and Piedmont. Protected by the DOP since 1996, Grana Padano is made exclusively with raw milk, partially skimmed by natural surfacing. The maturation period varies from a minimum of 9 months to over 24 months with the Grana Padano DOP Riserva label.

Grana Padano DOP is incredibly versatile and suitable for any time of day. Discover it with our recipes.

RELATED COVERAGEMORE

The first soup of autumn? It's with barley and vegetables

How many whole grains should you eat each day?

Upgrade Any Culver's Burger With A Free Ordering Request For 10x The Flavor

New, buzzy and worth the hype: Vancouver's fall dining guide

Culinary delights in Lech are gaining momentum