There is no such thing as parmesan cheese in Italy. That's an American name for a
cheese made with potassium sorbate to protect flavor, and cellulose powder to prevent caking. Newsflash: Italian Parmigiano Reggiano doesn't need flavor protectors or enhancers because it's got intense real flavor. It doesn't need an anti-caking agent because unlike American parmesan, it isn't born powdered. Parmigiano Reggiano comes in a solid 80-pound wheel, so you can buy a wedge and grate it fresh or shave it into slices on top of a salad.