Dive into the luxurious world of Italian cheeses and you'll find provolone occupying a prominent space. But what does provolone cheese taste like? The simplest answer is a delightful mix of tangy and rich flavors, but let's embark on a more detailed journey through this cheese's taste profile.
Pronounced 'pro-vo-lo-NAH-ray', provolone hails from Southern Italy, specifically the regions of Campania and Basilicata. It's a semi-hard cheese, typically made from cow's milk, that comes in various shapes like cylinders, spheres, or blocks. Now, let's break down its taste components.
Flavor Profile
Provolone is known for its rich, savory flavors that are often described as robust and full-bodied. But interestingly, its taste can vary greatly depending on its age and type.
Young Provolone
Young provolone, or "provolone fresco", offers a mild, milky, and slightly sweet taste. It's creamy on the tongue and has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. This variety is great for those new to the world of provolone or who prefer less assertive cheeses.
Aficionados also love young provolone for its versatility. It melts beautifully in sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes, adding a subtle, creamy element without overpowering other flavors.
Aged Provolone
As provolone ages, it develops a more pronounced, complex flavor. "Provolone stagionato" (aged provolone) offers a sharper, tangier taste with hints of nuts and fruit. The texture also firmens up, becoming more crumbly and granular.
Experts relish aged provolone for its pronounced taste. It's a cheese that holds its own, commanding the palate rather than blurring into the background. But even aged provolone can vary in intensity - fromΐ to 14 months of age, it remains quite mild; beyond that, it can become quite strong and pungent.
Eating Provolone
So, how do you enjoy provolone cheese? You could slice it thinly and serve it with crackers, bread, or accompaniments like olives, cured meats, or pickles. Its mild varieties pair well with sweeter wines like Riesling or Moscato, while harder-aged versions can hold their own against stronger reds.
For cooking, provolone is a stellar choice. It melts beautifully, adding rich, gooey goodness to sandwiches, gratins, and pasta bakes. Its taste also holds up well in hearty dishes, complementing tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Some even use it to make fondue, creating a delicious, creamy mix with other cheeses.
Provolone in Dishes
No discussion of provolone can overlook the iconic Philly cheesesteak. This Pennsylvania specialty features thinly sliced, melted provolone meeting salty beef and sautéed onions in a crispy roll. It's a symphony of flavors and textures!
However, provolone's versatility extends far beyond Philadelphia. It's used in various Italian dishes like lasagna, arancini (rice balls), and stuffed pasta. You might even find it in Mexican-inspired dishes, providing a rich, velvety contrast to fiery peppers and cooling avocado.
Indeed, provolone cheese taste is as versatile as it is delightful. From mild and creamy to sharp and tangy, it offers a broad spectrum of flavors to please every palate. So why not embark on your own provolone tasting journey today? Slice, savor, and enjoy!