Grana Padano is a cheese originating in the Po Valley, in Northern Italy, that is similar to Parmigiano Reggiano. There are less strict regulations governing its production.
This hard, crumbly-textured cheese is made with unpasteurized cows' milk that is semi-skimmed through a natural creaming process.
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).
