Grana Padano

Grana Padano is a cheese originating in the Po Valley, in northern Italy, similar to Parmesan. There are less strict regulations governing its production compared to Parmesan. This hard, crumbly-textured cheese is made with unpasteurized cows' milk that is semi-skimmed through a natural creaming process.[clarification needed] To preserve the authenticity of the manufacturing processes and raw materials used to make this cheese, Grana Padano is registered as Geographical Indication in Italy since 1954 and as a European Union protected designation of origin since 1996,[A] and is protected in several other countries based on the Lisbon Agreement and bilateral agreements. The name comes from the Italian word grana, a reference to the characteristically grainy texture, and the demonym padano, meaning 'from Val Padana' (the Po Valley). Grana Padano was developed by monks of Chiaravalle Abbey in the 12th century. It can last a long time without spoiling, and is sometimes aged for up to two years. It is made in a similar way to the Parmesan of Emilia-Romagna, but over a much wider area and with different regulations and controls.

Source: Wikipedia