From time to time people find out something new and, alas, not always pleasant about products. This time, parmesan was exposed.
This was reported by “URA-Inform” with reference to Radiotrek.
Recent discoveries about the composition of traditional Parmesan have sparked debate among vegans, vegetarians and cheese lovers. It turns out that the secret ingredient in this delicacy is animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomachs of calves, lambs or goats, making Parmesan unsuitable for those who avoid animal products.
How is Parmesan Made?
The process of making Parmesan involves aging cow's milk in copper vats with the addition of whey and rennet. Rennet is a substance containing chymosin, an enzyme found in high amounts in the stomachs of young animals fed exclusively on milk. The enzyme helps curdle the milk, separating the solids from the liquid, which is necessary to form the firm curds and create the texture of the cheese.
Cheesemakers claim that rennet provides the unique flavor profile for which Parmesan is prized. However, some producers are starting to use plant-based alternatives to make the product more accessible to a wider audience.
Public Reaction
The news about the origins of Parmesan's key ingredient has shocked many. Vegans and vegetarians, having learned that calves are being sacrificed to create their favorite cheese, are ready to exclude it from their diets. Instead, they are looking to alternatives, such as cheeses made with plant enzymes.
While traditional Parmesan remains popular, the emergence of ethical alternatives is opening up new options for those seeking to combine gastronomic pleasures with ethical principles.
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