Italy is known for its beautiful tourist spots, vibrant and successful history, and world-class Italian cuisines. Italy introduced so many wonders in the world, such as the pizza, their exquisite and delicious pasta dishes, their love for art, and more. Not only that but just like other European countries, Italy is also the home of the best cheeses in the world.
Italian cheeses vary in different types. There is the ever-famous Gorgonzola cheese, Asiago, mozzarella, Fontina, and many more. Italy's cheeses are also known not only in Europe but all across the world. Cheese lovers and experts come from far and wide to visit Italy and taste their cheese. Some even visit local cheese farms to catch a glimpse of how the cheeses are made.
Italy: The Home of The Best Cheeses In the World
One of the main reasons why Italian cheeses are in demand worldwide is because their cheeses are made traditionally. Cheese experts from all over the world recognize Italian cheeses as Denominazione di Origine Protetta or Protected Designation of Origin.
Every Italian cheese is DOP-certified because of its high-quality, and the cheeses are all made and produced locally. Each cheese recipe is unique and is made in traditional and old ways. The cheese-making process is preserved from one generation to another, keeping the cheeses' quality at a high standard.
Best and Famous Italian Cheeses
If you haven't been to Italy, you don't need to be there to know their cheeses. To make it easier for you, here is a list of famous and high-rated Italian cheeses that you need to put on your bucket list and try out someday!
- Asiago Cheese
The Asiago cheese is made from fresh cow's milk, and it is produced in most parts of Trentino and Veneto. The cheese can either be fresh or aged. A freshly made Asiago Cheese is called Asiago Pressato, and it features a smooth and sweet taste. The aged Asiago cheese, which is called Asiago d'allevo, features a more robust and bolder flavor.
If you somehow found a stamp on a wheel of your Asiago cheese that says "product of the mountains," it only means the cheese was made at an altitude of more than 600 meters.
- Fontina Cheese
Ever dreamed of finding the best cheese fondue? If so, that cheese fondue needs to have Fontina cheese on it. Fontina cheese is one of the main ingredients of fonduta, a comfort food perfect for mountain-temperature places.
Fontina cheese is made of cow's milk as well, and it features a semi-soft texture. The cheese also offers a nutty flavor that is strong and won't leave your mouth. This cheese is famous as well in France and Switzerland.
- Gorgonzola Cheese
Being one of Italy's pride, the Gorgonzola cheese is genuinely world-class. This cheese is easy to recognize because of its blue-green lines in the cheese. Gorgonzola is made by pungent cow's milk and features either a mild or spicy taste. This cheese has a unique flavor due to the bacteria in the production process.
- Mascarpone Cheese
If you like thick cheeses, the Mascarpone cheese is the Italian cheese for you. This cheese is famous because of its whipped and soft texture. It also features a mild flavor, and it can perfectly fit into any sweet or savory dishes.
With all that being said, what is your favorite Italian cheese?
