With well over 80 cheeses currently being produced throughout Italy, it is no surprise that cheese is considered an integral part of many Italian dishes and a perfect accompaniment of many more. How did cheese come to be such an important component of Italian cuisine? To understand the answer to this question requires us to go back to the actual origins of cheesemaking.
The history of cheesemaking dates back to about 3,000 years ago and can be traced throughout the history of various cultures around the globe; however, it is the Ancient Romans who are credited with perfecting the aging process that resulted in producing different textures and the infusion of delicious flavors into the finished cheeses. The first smoked cheeses are said to have been made in Italy as well. It is no surprise, then, that Italian food incorporates cheese in almost every recipe. Italy’s diverse topography allows dairy farmers to produce milk from goats, sheep and cows, each having their own regional flavors.
Italian cooks are very discerning in selecting the right cheese for the job. Appropriate texture and flavor can make or break a recipe. The texture of cheese is more often than not a result of the water content retained during the aging process. The more water that is retained in the curd, the looser the final product will be.
As with cheeses from around the world, Italian cheeses can be runny, soft, semi-soft, crumbly and very hard. Many of these cheeses are meant to be consumed at the table paired with crusty artisan bread (Burrata for example), or with fruit (try Marscapone) and dessert wines (Gorgonzola Dolce or Bleu). The perfect pairings are almost limitless.
Diners beware! Substitution of an authentic Italian cheese with a knock-off in an “Authentic Italian” restaurant immediately renders the dish unauthentic and will have a tremendous impact on the consistency and flavor of the dish. Whether cheese is meant to be the star of the dish as with many ravioli, cannelloni or lasagna dishes, or if it is used to enhance the flavor of a finished dish with just the right hint of uniqueness, Italian cheeses can do it all.
If your palate demands only the best and most authentic flavors of Italy, please come visit us at the best fine dining Orlando, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano to savor the true essence of the cheeses of Italy. Whether grated over our Pasta E Fagioli, blended together in our classic Melanzane Parmigiana, or served with a fabulous dessert wine to complete your dining experience, you will not be disappointed in the flavors and quality of the finest Italian cheeses.