The Parmesan Cheese in Your Fridge Is Likely Not the Real Thing.True Parmesan cheese is Parmigiano-Reggiano. This raw milk cheese has been made for centuries, and here's how to make sure you get the real thing:.Keep in mind that a pre-grated Parmesan likely isn't Parmigiano-Reggiano, but a lower-quality imitation.Be sure your Parmigiano-Reggiano is DOP. DOP stands for "Denominazione di Origine Protetta," a mark ensuring that a wedge or wheel comes from the right part of Italy.A pre-cut wedge's wrapping will likely reveal its DOP status. If you're buying cheese fresh off the wheel, you can ask whoever is doing the cutting.Get Parmigiano-Reggiano sliced right from the wheel if you can. Not only is it mildly thrilling to watch a cheesemonger knock a small wedge free, your wedge will be very fresh.