Exploring the World of Italian Cheeses for Pasta, Platters, and More!
Italy, a beautiful country in Europe, is world-famous for its incredible varieties of cheeses, with each region offering its own specialty. These premium cheeses made in Italy make a perfect combination, whether you are preparing pasta or crafting unforgettable cheese platters for any occasion or gathering.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of Italian cheeses for pasta making and designing cheese platters, including a brief description of the qualities of Italy’s popular Parmesan cheese.
The Varieties of Italian Cheeses for Pasta Making
Italian cuisines are often synonymous with pasta, and while making pasta, it’s crucial to select the right Italian cheeses. Here are some of the major varieties:
● Parmigiano-Reggiano: Named after two of the areas which produce it, the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. Its trademark rich flavour and distinct pattern of granular texture are well appreciated and famous all over the world, and is revered as the king of cheeses. Composed of cow’s milk and matured in almost 36 months, the subtle and rich, salty taste of Parmesan-Reggiano is a great match for pasta dishes and other appetisers.
● Pecorino-Romano: Pecorino-Romano is often used on pasta dishes, like the better-known Parmesan. Its distinctive aromatic and pleasantly sharp, very salty flavour led to it being preferred for some Italian pasta dishes with highly flavoured sauces, especially those of Roman and Lazio origin, such as bucatini all’amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, pasta alla gricia, [8] and spaghetti alla cacio e pepe.
● Ricotta Cheese: It is an Italian cheese made from sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk whey leftover from the production of other cheeses. Creamy and mild, Ricotta is a versatile cheese that’s commonly used in stuffed pasta dishes like ravioli and lasagna. Its soft texture blends well with other ingredients, making it an excellent base for fillings.
● Mozzarella Cheese: It is a semi-soft non-aged cheese prepared by the pasta filata (‘stretched-curd’) method with origins from southern Italy. It is prepared with Mozzarella fior di latte or Mozzarella, i.e., cow’s milk and Mozzarella di bufala, i.e., Italian buffalo’s milk. Known for its soft and stretchy texture, Mozzarella is often used in baked pasta dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells. It melts perfectly and creates a creamy, gooey layer that pairs beautifully with tomato-based sauces.
Crafting the Perfect Italian Cheese Platters: Some Essential Tips
An Italian cheese platter is an elegant addition to any gathering which displays the best of Italy’s cheese-making heritage. Following are some helpful tips to make perfect cheese platters:
● Include a Range of Textures and Flavours – To balance your platter, offer a variety of soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses. Consider pairing the sharpness of Parmesan with the creaminess of burrata or the earthiness of Gorgonzola.
● Feature Regional Favourites – Highlight Italian regions by selecting classic cheeses like Taleggio from Lombardy, Asiago from the Veneto, or Fontina from the Valle d’Aosta. Each brings a unique flavour that tells a story of its origin.
● Accompaniments Matter: Pair your cheeses with Italian-style accompaniments such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and prosciutto. Honey, figs, or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar also complement the bold flavours of the cheeses.
● Serve Parmesan as a Highlight – Parmesan, especially when imported from Italy, can serve as the focal point of your platter. The complex flavours of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano pair well with crunchy breadsticks or grissini and a glass of robust red wine.
The Qualities of Italy’s Famous Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese imported from Italy offers a nutty, umami-packed flavour that intensifies as it ages. Whether you use it to enhance pasta dishes or serve on a cheese platter, authentic Parmesan elevates any dish to gourmet status. When purchasing, always look for the distinct markings and rind stamps that indicate it’s the real deal from Italy.
Conclusion: Why Choose Taste for Luxury Inc.?
Taste for Luxury Inc. in Canada is your place to explore top-quality Italian cheeses for preparing pasta and delightful cheese platters. We provide the finest imported Italian Parmesan cheese, premium meats, and creative boards. So why wait? Order it today from our website for an unforgettable gastronomic journey that will satisfy your taste buds.
Bon Appétit!
