Whole Foods celebrating ‘king of cheese’

Whole Foods Market is once again bringing some of the greatest cheese in the world to its customers.

For the 11th straight year, the Austin, Texas-based retailer will celebrate the “king of cheese,” Parmigiano Reggiano, during a special event Feb. 23 at hundreds of stores around the country. Whole Foods Market cheesemongers and Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs) will crack open 80-pound wheels of the iconic cheese for sampling and for sales.

“Every year our team of cheesemongers visit Italy’s Parm region and select the top 1 percent of all Parmigiano Reggiano rated for quality,” said Cathy Strange, global executive coordinator for specialty and product innovation and development at Whole Foods Market. “Those wheels are carefully aged for two years to achieve the toasted, salty and nutty flavor and subtle crystal-like texture our shoppers crave and seek out in our stores.”

Shoppers will have the opportunity to taste the freshly carved cheese  in addition to samplings of other featured pairings like freshly made cacio e pepe, a classic Italian pasta dish, during the festivities. As part of the annual celebration, Whole Foods Market will give shoppers the opportunity to purchase Parmigiano Reggiano at a 30 percent discount from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24.