Italian Cheeses As The Pride Of Italy

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.

The most popular culinary delights which are associated with Italy are the pizzas and the lasagna preparations both of which make use of the legendary mozzarella cheese. This cheese is white in color since it is a product of buffalo’s milk and its soft and chewy texture is one of the main reasons for the immense popularity of the dishes in which it is used.

The region of Lombardy in Italy boasts of having given the world its only blue cheese named gorgonzola in form of two main varieties namely gorgonzola mountain and gorgonzola dolce. While the former serves as an accompaniment for white wines, soups and stews due to its sharp flavor, the latter is served with fruits and desserts because it is comparatively sweeter. The special feature of this cheese is that it is mild when it is young and becomes progressively sharper in taste as it becomes older.

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.

The list of renowned Italian cheeses is incomplete without the mention of the Parmesan which is a full flavored cheese consisting of a hard rind and is eaten after being matured for a considerable length of time. This Italian cheese is best enjoyed if grated or if cut into slivers but the fresh variety of this cheese is the best in terms of taste.

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.

One of the traditional Italian cheeses which have been a part of the Italian culture since the ancient Roman civilization is the Grana Padano which is also prepared from un-pasteurized milk and has a smooth, hard and thick natural rind. This cheese is marked by its pale yellow interior as well as its fruity flavor which would remind one of a pineapple.

Learn more about Italian cheeses. Stop by Chris Perry’s site where you can find out all about Italian imports and what it can do for you.