Types Of Italian Cheeses And Their Uses

By Chris Perry

Italy has always occupied a place of pride in the ancient European culture due to various reasons and one of them is the Italian cheeses. Although Italy has never ranked among the best dairy industries of the world, its cheeses have always enjoyed a high status in the world in terms of quality and variety. Italian cheeses have been a part of the rich cultural heritage of the nation when they were relished by the famous Julius Caesar, devoured by the invincible Roman armies and served as important constituents of many of the traditional dishes.

Italian cheeses are available throughout the world in a variety of tastes and flavors and one of the most well known varieties is an Italian cheese named Mozzarella. This is a fresh Italian cheese which is white in color, has a soft texture and is chewy in nature. It is prepared from buffalo milk, which is found only in Italy and is well known for its use in pizzas and lasagna preparations.

Among all the varieties of Italian cheeses, it is only the Gorgonzola which is blue in color along with a creamy texture. Having originated in Lombardy, it is found in two varieties namely the gorgonzola mountain, which has a sharp taste and the gorgonzola dolce, which is sweet and therefore is an ideal accompaniment of fruits and desserts. Apart from being served as an accompaniment for white Italian wines, hot stew and soups, this cheese tastes mild when it is young and becomes sharper as it matures.

The conventional method of using whipped cream in dessert preparations is compromised upon only in case of a single Italian cheese which is known as mascarpone. The reason for this substitution is that among all Italian cheeses this one is rich and creamy and can blend well with desserts due to its mild flavor.

Grated parmesan cheese or sliced parmesan cheese is a well known delicacy all over the world and it happens to be a full flavored Italian cheese which has been matured for two-three years. This cheese is distinguished from others due to its hard rind and cheese gourmets claim that it tastes best when it is absolutely fresh.

Preparing cheese from un-pasteurized cow%u2019s milk is common in Italy and a famous cheese prepared from this raw material is known as Scamorza. When un-pasteurized cow%u2019s milk is hung by the string for a certain period of time it forms dumplings of cheese which are shaped in a different manner and this is the distinguishing feature of this cheese.

The Pecorino is the only one among the Italian cheeses which is prepared from ewe's milk and therefore salty to taste. This cheese comes in a number of varieties namely the Pecorino Romano, the Pecorino Toscano, the Pecorino Sardo and the Pecorino Siciliano and it is served as an accompaniment with desserts after having gained maturity.

Italian cheeses have been an inevitable part of the country%u2019s tradition and one particular variety which surpasses others in this regard is the Grana Padano. The main characteristics of this cheese are that it is prepared from unpasteurized milk, is pale yellow in color, is surrounded by a thick natural rind which is smooth as well as hard to touch and tastes like a pineapple. - 30289

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here