Rogers Collection Parm Cracking Event at SFFS

For the third consecutive year, Rogers Collection will host the cracking of a whole wheel of Brown Cow Parmigiano-Reggiano at the Summer Fancy Food Show (SFFS) in booth 2150. The cheese is made by Società Agricola Valserena, an Italian dairy near Parma, Italy, that is dedicated to producing Parmigiano-Reggiano made solely from the milk of brown cows (sola bruna). Valserena is one of the oldest dairies producing Parmigiano-Reggiano and one of the very few farmstead producers still remaining. The cracking of an 80-pound wheel, slowly aged for two years, requires skill, knowledge and strength. Rogers Collection wants to share this rare opportunity on Monday, June 30, at 11 a.m. in booth 2150 with SFFS attendees, who will be able to witness and experience the intense floral aromas from a wheel just opened, and enjoy the genuine essence of authentic and fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano. 

The producer, Società Agricola Valserena, is a member of the Consorzio di Sola Bruna. Only four dairies belong to this consortium that guarantees that the milk for the Parmigiano-Reggiano only comes from registered brown cows. The breed is prized for the richness of the milk and the unique characteristics that can be tasted in the finished wheels of cheese. The milk of brown cows is considered to be more flavorful, more delicate and higher in calcium than that of Holstein Friesians, which are used for the majority of Parmigiano-Reggiano production.

At Valserena, 220 cows produce 10 wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano per day. Valserena changes the diet of the animals every five years to create nuances in the flavor of the milk. Cows graze on local pastures and are fed exclusively farmstead forages and grains. Very few wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano come from farmstead producers such as Valserena. The word “farmstead” denotes that the entire production cycle happens on the dairy, from the growing of the cereals used for feed, to the birthing and breeding of the cows, and finally to the process of making and aging the cheese.

Rogers Collection is the U.S. importer for Valserena dairy, offering both whole wheels and cuts to American customers. Valserena is a family dairy owned by Gian Domenico Serra and his children, Giovanni, Antonietta and Niccolò. Founded in the 18th century, Valserena is thought to be the oldest existing Parmigiano-Reggiano farmstead dairy. 

Rogers Collection is a small business based in Portland, Maine, with over 20 years experience in the food industry and dedicated to discovering and sharing endless delicacies of this fruitful planet with mindful and passionate food consumers. For more information, contact Carrie Davenport at 207-828-2000; email carrie@therogerscollection.com; or visit www.therogerscollection.com.