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.

There are four types of milk that can be used to make cheese. These include the milk from cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats. The most popular type of milk used in making Italian cheese is cow's milk. The cheese usually contains approximately 87% of cow's milk. It is also rich in many vitamins and minerals.

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 a unique cheese because it is made by mixing the whey of various cheeses and is recooked. Many Italian dishes include this particular type of cheese. It can also be used in sweet dishes such as cheesecake. It is a classic cheese and is good in lasagna and other Italian dishes. It has a very creamy texture and mixes easily.

Asiago cheese is another popular cheese from Italy. It is also made from cow's milk and can be aged up to one year. This type of cheese is usually shredded and served in Italian dishes or in risotto soup. It can also be used as a table cheese similar to Parmesan. It is best when it is fresh and it is a versatile cheese.

Many believe that the best cheeses in the world come from Italy. Pizza would never be the same without the unique taste of mozzarella cheese. Cheese is a great source of calcium and vitamins and is a great choice for a snack. It also makes our home cooked dishes taste even better. - 30213

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