Sunday, November 29, 2009

A Guide To Great Italian Cheeses

By Jack Hanley

Many cheeses are originated from Italy and they are imported all over the world. Cheese making is considered to be an art and many villagers still make this their livelihood. There are several varieties and styles of cheese and many different flavors to impress any palette. The distinct flavors of Italian cheeses make them very popular around the world.

Early cheese makers did not have the luxury of refrigeration until recently. They used to store the cheeses in caves or grottos because they were the perfect temperature to age the cheese. There are only three ingredients involved in making cheese. They are salt, rennet, and milk. It is not difficult to make, but it is time consuming. There are not nearly as many cheese artisans as there used to be.

Milk from cows is the most popular choice used in cheese production. There are four types of animals milk that can be used to make cheese. The our animals include cows, buffalo, goats, and sheep. Cows milk has a high percentage of milk in the cheese. Cows milk also contains vital vitamins and nutrients and is very healthy for our bodies. Cheese is an vital part of our diets and really adds a lot of flavor to our meals.

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.

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.

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