Description
Provolone del Monaco DOP is a semi-hard stretched curd cheese, typical of the Sorrento Peninsula – Monti Lattari area, produced exclusively with raw milk. The name "Provolone del Monaco" has curious origins, deriving from the fact that cheesemakers, with their load of provolones from the Sorrento peninsula, used to cover themselves with a cloak similar to a monk's habit. This tradition led to the naming of the cheese and its producers as "monks." The cheese is the result of an artisanal process that reflects the centuries-old traditions of the area. The milk partly comes from the native Agerolese breed, recognized as endangered by the FAO. The Agerolese cow, native to the province of Naples, produces high-quality milk thanks to the unique environment of the Monti Lattari. Livestock farming in the Monti Lattari – Sorrento Peninsula dates back to 260 BC, with the Picentini starting the activity of breeding dairy cattle. The Agerolese, a native breed, has been fundamental in the cheese-making tradition of the area. In recent decades, interest in quality products typical of the territory has led to a reevaluation of native breeds, contributing to the recognition of the DOP. Provolone del Monaco DOP is characterized by several peculiarities that contribute to its unique identity. The stretched curd of this cheese gives it an elastic and compact texture, while the thin crust and the coloring of the paste highlight its authenticity. The flavor nuances, ranging from sweet to spicy, make Provolone del Monaco a versatile cheese suitable for multiple uses in the kitchen. Provolone del Monaco DOP is produced in some specific areas of Campania, mainly in the province of Salerno. This region offers an ideal environment for the production of high-quality cheeses thanks to the climatic conditions and the abundance of natural pastures. The centuries-old tradition of cheese production in this area has helped consolidate the reputation of Provolone del Monaco as a product of excellence. Provolone del Monaco DOP is an extremely versatile cheese in the kitchen. It can be consumed on its own as a table cheese, accompanied by fresh bread or dried fruit, or it can be used to enrich dishes and recipes. Its melting ability makes it ideal for pizzas, sandwiches, lasagnas, and other gratin dishes. Additionally, grated, it can be an excellent seasoning for salads, pasta, or soups. The variety of flavors that develop with aging makes it suitable both for those who love milder cheeses and for those who prefer more intense and spicy flavors. Pairings: Provolone del Monaco DOP is a rich and versatile cheese that lends itself well to various gastronomic pairings. Here are some ideas to make the most of its characteristics: Pairing with Honey: Cut Provolone del Monaco into slices and accompany each slice with a teaspoon of quality honey. The combination of the sweet taste of honey with the aromatic complexity of the cheese creates a balanced and delicious tasting experience. Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Prepare bruschetta with slices of toasted bread, diced fresh tomato, basil, and thin slices of Provolone del Monaco. Combining the freshness of tomato and basil with the creaminess of the cheese creates a tasty appetizer. Salad with Walnuts and Pears: Add slices of Provolone del Monaco to a mixed salad with toasted walnuts and slices of fresh pears. The contrast between the sweetness of the pears, the crunchiness of the walnuts, and the creaminess of the cheese is delightful. Sandwiches with Cooked Ham Prepare sandwiches with slices of Provolone del Monaco, high-quality cooked ham, tomato, and lettuce. You can also add a seasoned sauce for an extra touch of flavor. Pizza with Provolone del Monaco Use grated Provolone del Monaco as a topping for your pizza. Its melting ability makes this pizza particularly creamy and flavorful. You can also add ingredients like mushrooms, ham, or olives to vary the taste. Risotto with Provolone del Monaco: Add slices of Provolone del Monaco to a creamy risotto during the creaming phase. This will give the dish extraordinary richness and creaminess. Table Cheese with Dried Fruit: Serve Provolone del Monaco DOP as a table cheese, accompanied by a selection of dried fruits such as walnuts, almonds, or dried figs. This pairing offers a variety of flavors and textures. Storage: Store in the refrigerator Processing: The production of Provolone del Monaco DOP follows strict rules and traditional procedures. The milk used comes from Agerolese cows (minimum 20% as per regulations) fed with local forage. The process begins with the curdling of the milk, followed by cutting, cooking, and stretching. After shaping, the cheese is immersed in brine to give it the right level of salinity. Aging takes place in special cellars, where the cheese can develop its characteristic flavor and aroma. Other: NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER 100 GR OF PROVOLONE DEL MONACO DOP Calories 485 Kcal / 2,013 kJ Fats 37 g of which saturated 31 g Carbohydrates 4.9 g of which sugars 1.5 g Proteins 33 g Salt 1.7 g