4 Different Types of Cheese Used In Italian Cuisines

The Italians have been using cheese in their food for over 3000 years from when the Etruscans first arrived there. It’s said that they used cheese derived from sheep’s milk along with cows and pigs, which was favored by the Romans too. Somewhere in the 12th century, water buffalo milk was used to produce a special kind of cheese, which is commonly known as mozzarella these days. 

Cheese has often been criticized for being high in calories and fat, but what you may not know is, they offer amazing health benefits as well. The nutrient content in cheese and its taste depending on the way it’s produced and processed. It’s a rich source of protein, sodium, and calcium (as it’s a dairy product), which may be good for your cardiovascular health. 

Let’s now discuss the 5 different types of cheese that are used in Italian cuisines along with their health benefits. 

Mozzarella

This is the most common type of cheese used in pizza toppings, pasta and a wide variety of Italian salads. It is relatively lower in calories and sodium than most other cheese varieties. You can savor it on its own but make sure it’s fresh before you do that. 

Mozzarella also contains bacteria, Lactobacillus fermentum, which acts as a probiotic and improves the immune system. It’s also said to enhance stomach health and fight infections in many cases. When added to Caprese salads, the mozzarella cheese turns delicious and nutritious at the same time. 

Ricotta

Sourced either from cow’s milk or ewe’s whey, this cheese is soft and used widely in preparing delectable Italian dishes like lasagne, pasta, and salads. The whey promotes muscle health, keeps your blood pressure low as well as reduces your cholesterol levels to a great extent. 

Are you wondering where to have authentic ricotta-topped Italian cuisine in Miami? Type Italian Food near me on Google and get a list of some of the reputable restaurants in and around your location. Let the creamy feel of ricotta last you for days.

Burrata

Burrata, in Italian, stands for ‘buttered’, which perfectly defines its texture. Originally produced in Southern Italy, this cheese variety is quite popular in several countries today. It’s used mainly in pasta, salads, and bread, with roasted radicchio, sautéed peaches, and grilled tomatoes. 

The Burrata cheese is not only a savory delicacy but also an amazing source of amino acids and good-quality protein, which promotes brain health. This apart, it has significant effects on moods, besides repairing muscles and enhancing sleep patterns. 

Parmesan 

The parmesan cheese has a hard, gritty texture, and a salty flavor, which does well on pizzas, steaks, and pasta. If you’re lactose-intolerant, this is the right cheese for you. Loaded with nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, it promotes bone health in most adults. 

Wrapping it up

The Italians use numerous other varieties of cheese in their food like cheddar, gorgonzola, provolone, asiago and more, all of which have characteristic textures and flavors. If you’re a cheese-lover in general, you can dine out in one of the best Italian restaurants in your locality to find out the differences in their tastes. Start savoring the mouth-watering delicacies to understand why the Italians favor this particular dairy product so much.