Italian cuisine has become popular all over the world with its many types of pasta, variety of pizzas, delicious bruschetta and last but not least, its quality cheeses. In the different regions of Italy, you can try different types of cheese, which are prepared in a characteristic way and can be combined with a variety of products.
Cheeses are divided into three main groups, according to their consistency and the duration of maturation – they are hard, semi-hard and soft. Those that mature for more than half a year are considered hard and they are most often eaten grated. Semi-hard cheeses are those that mature for up to three months, while soft cheeses ripen quickly and are eaten fresh.
Here are eight of the most popular Italian cheeses, which you must try:
- We can't help but start with the well-known Parmesan, (Parmigiano). This cheese is added grated to dishes - you can put Parmesan on different types of pizzas, pasta sauces, etc.
- Mozzarella is the next dairy product that deserves attention - it is a fresh cheese with a dense structure, often served with salads. Mozzarella can also be used as a topping – it is often used in pizzas and pasta.
- Ricotta is a cheese that is made from sheep's whey or cow's milk and has a sweet taste and a smooth consistency. If you want to serve it at home, the best company for it is wines with a fruity aroma.
- Mascarpone is also a popular cheese - it has a thick and creamy consistency. The cheese is often used in combination with berries, figs and is also an indispensable part of the tiramisu dessert. Pair this cheese with Chardonnay or Champagne. Because of its sweet taste, Mascarpone cheese can be combined with coffee or some liqueur.
- Pecorino is a sheep's milk cheese originating from Tuscany and has a specific aroma and taste. The cheese has a firm consistency - it is suitable to be served with red wines.
- Gorgonzola is a blue cheese with a creamy texture - it is characteristic that the more it hasn't matured, the lighter its taste.
- Grana Padano is an Italian cheese with a firm consistency and its taste is slightly spicy, salty and with a very faint nutty flavor.
- Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that can mature for months - the longer it matures, the stronger its flavor becomes.
- Caciocavallo is another Italian delicacy, which you should try as soon as possible. Caciocavallo is the pride of the island of Sicily and the southern region of Basilicata. It can be prepared from cow's milk or a mixture of cow's, sheep's and goat's milk.
- Taleggio is an unique Italian cheese, which will enchant you with its taste. It is prepared from full-fat cow's milk and is distinguished by its orange peel and soft core.
