Provolone

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese, traditionally made from cow’s milk. It belongs to the pasta filata family of cheeses, just like mozzarella, meaning the curd is stretched and kneaded to create a smooth, elastic texture. Provolone comes in two main varieties: the young, mildly creamy Provolone Dolce and the sharper, longer-aged Provolone Piccante. The flavor ranges from soft and buttery to boldly spiced, depending on how long it has been aged.

• Origin: Italy (mainly northern Italy: Lombardy, Veneto)

• Milk type: Cow’s milk

• Texture: Semi-hard, supple and sliceable

• Flavor: Soft and creamy (Dolce) to sharp and nutty (Piccante)

• Shape: Often pear-shaped, sometimes with a rope for hanging during aging