A Look At A Few Italian Cheeses

If there were any question about the importance of cheese in the Italian diet

, the answer can be found by noting that there are almost 400 italian cheeses from which to pick. Just about any Italian entree includes cheese as a staple ingredient. Other cheeses are used to complement a meal. From appetizer to dessert, you are likely to find one or more kind of cheese in your meal.

The best know Italian cheese is probably mozzarella. The name comes from the Italian word 'mozzare' which translates to 'to cut.' The process of making the cheese includes stretching, cutting and finally rolling it into a ball. Mozzarella cheese is usually made with cow or buffalo milk. It is the main ingredient in pretty much any pizza and also most lasagna.

Oh, and while we are discussing lasagna, we have to touch upon ricotta. Ricotta is actually made from cow or sheep milk whey and is made from the production of other cheese. The remaining proteins in whey bind together upon heating and form into a curd, which is ricotta. This white cheese is fresh, not aged. It has a mild taste and a creamy texture.

A popular grating cheese is Romano. Romano is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, being a favorite of Julius Caesar's Legionnaires. It is typically made from sheep milk and is hard, salty and often sharp in taste. Sometimes it is called Pecorino (from the Italian word pecora, meaning sheep.) Romano is often used as a topping for pasta dishes.

Do you like a nice salami sandwich? You probably think it is not complete without a slice or two of provolone. There are two main categories of provolone cheese: Piccante and dolce. Piccante is aged longer, 4 months or longer, and is quite sharp tasting. Dolce is milder and creamy.

Asiago is one of the most versatile cheeses available. The aged sharp-tasting variety can be sliced wafer thin and served as a complement to many entrees; fresh and mild Asiago can be added to a sandwich or Panini. It can be crumbled onto salads or soups. It has taken on a popular status among cheese lovers everywhere.

One doesn't need to hail from Italy to realize the vast array of possibilities of Italian cheeses. From fresh mozzarella on your antipasto, to parmesan grated onto your spaghetti, to a little mascarpone in your tiramisu, these cheeses from Italy are sure to bring a smile to your face.

by: Sam Patrolio.

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