1st – 3rd May | Free Tasting in Our Market
A Cheese With History
Grana Padano was first made by Cistercian monks in the Po Valley during the 12th century, a practical solution for preserving surplus milk that became something far greater. Today, it remains one of Italy’s most treasured exports, produced across the plains of Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.
The name tells its own story: grana speaks to the distinctive grainy texture that develops as the cheese matures, whilst Padano pays tribute to the Po River valley where it all began.
What Makes It Special
Grana Padano is crafted from partially skimmed cow’s milk, following methods that have changed little over the centuries. Each wheel is aged for a minimum of nine months, though many are left to mature for 16 months or longer, developing greater complexity and that wonderfully crumbly texture.
The flavour is rich and nutty, gently sweet with a quiet sharpness that deepens with age. Versatile enough to grate generously over pasta, risotto or minestrone, yet refined enough to savour on its own, perhaps with a drizzle of aged balsamic and a glass of Prosecco.
Join Us in the Market
Pop into Salumi e Formaggi on the 1st floor, between 1st and 3rd May to taste Grana Padano for yourself. Our team will be on hand to walk you through its distinctive qualities and offer ideas for bringing it into your own kitchen.
Whether you’re already a fan or coming to it for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a true icon of Italian cheesemaking.
You’ll find us at 135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station.
Buon appetito.