The Most Popular Italian Cheeses

By Jack Hanley

Italy is famous for its artisan cheeses. Some of the best cheeses in the world are imported from Italy. We use Italian cheeses on pizza, lasagna, and many more scrumptious dishes. There are many different varieties and flavors and these cheeses are a delicious favorite of many. The making of cheese is considered an art and it has been perfected in Italy.

Many years ago, cheese making was much more primitive than it is today. They did not have refrigeration and they used caves to store and age the cheeses. Caves provided a temperature that was perfect for this process. It is not particularly difficult to produce cheese and there are only a few ingredients involved in this process. It is necessary to have milk, salt and rennet to make cheese. Some Italians still perfect the art of old school cheese making.

Milk is a necessary ingredient in making cheese. Farmers use the milk from goats and sheep to make certain types of cheese and others used buffalo milk. Cows are very valuable because they provide the milk that is needed for many types of cheeses and their meat is also used in many Italian dishes.

Everyone loves Mozzarella cheese on their pizza. This cheese usually comes in blocks or is pre-shredded. Mozzarella is the most widely recognizable cheese from Italy. It is used in so many different dishes and is a staple in many kitchens. It can also be stored in a ball form in water to retain its freshness. Kids everywhere love this type of cheese and it is widely consumed by many.

Another type of cheese that is made with cows milk is Provolone. It is usually aged only slightly and has a smoky taste to it. It is very flavorful and can be aged for one year. It is a popular cheese to place on sandwiches. Many delis sell it by the slice. It is also used on hoagies and submarine sandwiches. It can add an awesome flavor to any sandwich and is especially popular on ham sandwiches.

Ricotta cheese is actually whey from other cheeses that is recooked. It has a grainy texture and is used in many Italian dishes such as lasagna, rigatoni, and manicotti. This is also an important ingredient in classic Italian cheesecake. This versatile cheese can be used in sweet dishes as well as, hearty Italian favorites.

Another aged cheese that many people enjoy is Asiago cheese. It is another product of cows milk. It usually comes in grated form and is used by many as a table cheese. It can also be shredded and placed on soups and other dishes. It has a great flavor and aroma and is increasing in popularity. Some people use it as an ingredient in bread making

Italian cheeses are loved by millions of people and are a vital ingredient in many dishes. They are popular with young and old alike and are consumed all over the world. Cheese lovers everywhere rely on Italy for some of the finest cheeses in all the land. Cheese is a very popular ingredient in many meals such as pizza and lasagna. We definitely love our cheese and would not know what to do without it. - 30543

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