Foodies are discovering that Parmesan cheese is NOT vegetarian – and the reason has made them ‘cry’
Social media users are dismayed to learn that Parmesan traditionally isn’t vegetarian – and uses the organ of a baby cow in the production.
People admit they were “years old today” when they heard about the inclusion of “rennet” – which is made by enzymes in the lining of calves’ stomachs – in the iconic cheese.
This is reported by the animal welfare organization PETAmany brands, especially in the US, will now use vegetable rennet, but the discovery was still shocking Twitter users.
The method of preparing Parmesan cheese – or Parmigiano Reggiano – is loved in its country of origin, Italy, and traditionally uses only three ingredients; milk, salt and rennet, cooking kitchen say.
The method of preparing Parmesan cheese – or Parmigiano Reggiano – is loved in its country of origin, Italy, and traditionally uses only three ingredients; milk, salt and rennet (stock image)
It also states that Parmigiano Reggiano is a Protected Domination of Origin (PDO) cheese, meaning it cannot bear the name without following strict procedures and testing.
Culture Cheese Magazine explains that animal rennet is made when a calf (or other young creature) is killed and its stomach dried so that it becomes solid.
Depending on the size of the production and where you are in the world, the next steps usually involve cutting up and preserving the dried organ.
When it’s time to use the ingredient, the rennet is rehydrated in some water. This water is then added to the milk.
While many brands, particularly in the US, will use plant-based rennet instead, according to animal welfare group PETA, the discovery was still shocking due to its origin (stock image)
People admit they were ‘years old today’ when they heard about the inclusion of ‘rennet’ – which is made by enzymes in the lining of calves’ stomachs – in the iconic cheese
Shocked Twitter users were shocked to learn about the origin of the ingredient.
“Years old today when I found out Parmesan cheese is made from a baby cow’s stomach and I could cry,” one animal lover wrote. “I just need to go vegan right now.”
‘PARMESAN IS NOT VEGETARIAN??!?!!!???!??? WTF,” exclaimed another.
“I just can’t,” a third shocked user wrote, “I’m done.”
Social media users are stunned to learn that Parmesan cheese is traditionally not vegetarian – and uses the organ of a baby cow in its production
“Dairy is scary,” a fourth admitted.
However, others also pointed out that veal stomach is no longer used as often.
“Most cheese is now made with chymosin from bacterial sources, rather than animal rennet,” says one poster.
Another added: “They are now using genetically modified bacteria to make the enzymes.”
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