Raschera

When it comes to the regional Italian dish of Raschera, there's little doubt that its uniqueness lies in its velvety texture and gorgeous milky hue. The soft, creamy cheese is made with cow's milk, producing a taste and consistency that can only be described as distinctively "Raschera-ish". Its versatility in both sweet and savoury recipes makes it a wonderfully malleable ingredient, especially when partnered with some other traditional Italian ingredients like walnuts, mushrooms or even honey.

Raschera


One of the defining characteristics of Raschera is its ability to melt gently into a sauce or a spread, adding a buttery, almost nutty flavor that amplifies any recipe. It's also surprisingly soft and delicate enough to be used instead of hard grating cheese, which makes it a popular choice for pasta dishes and salads. The mellow taste of Raschera is more than welcome in desserts too; it melts nicely in cakes and pastry, particularly if it is a little sweeter in taste.

Something that sets this stunning cheese apart from others is its rind, which is quite thick but incredibly light in color. This characteristic helps to contain the cheese and protect it from being damaged or becoming dry. But, it’s not only functional – the rind of Raschera is also edible, adding a subtle hint of saltiness and crunch to dishes.

Raschera is a unique cheese that is both beautiful to behold and delicious to eat. Its characterful flavor and wonderful texture make it an ideal addition to any cooking style, and with its diverse range of uses, it's no wonder why the Piedmont region of Italy is so enamored with it.

Raschera recipes

Amazing Raschera recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Raschera

Raschera is an Italian cheese that has been around for centuries, originating in the alpine valleys of the province of Cuneo. Its distinctive flavor and texture make it a popular choice for grating, spreading on foods and in Italian cooking.

The history of Raschera can be traced back to the 16th century, when farmers from the Cuneo region began producing it from cow's milk. As legend has it, the cheese was first created by accident when a young shepherd accidentally left a pot of milk inside a wooden chest overnight. The next morning, themilk had transformed into a hard, glossy cheese.

Since that time, Raschera has become a national favorite and its production continues to be passed down through generations of cheese makers in the Cuneo region. Made with whole cow’s milk, it has a semi-hard consistency, with a slightly crumbly yet creamy texture and nutty, fruity flavor. It develops a poetic rind over time, which becomes smooth and yellowish in color.

Raschera remains an integral part of Italian food culture and cuisine. This versatile cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways — either on its own as a snack, served as part of antipasti at a dinner party, melted in pasta, pizza, or risotto dishes or used in baking. As it ages, its flavour further deepens, making it all the more enjoyable to savour.

It is no wonder then, that Raschera has remained such a cherished Italian tradition for so many generations, testament to the fact that some dishes truly stand the test of time.

Types of Raschera

When it comes to discussing different types of cheese, the classic Italian dish Raschera stands out from the crowd. Known for its distinct, nutty flavor and creamy texture, it is a type of semi-hard cheese that is popular among foodies and cheese-lovers alike.

Raschera is a cow's milk cheese, derived from one of the most ancient sides of the Piedmont region in northern Italy. The cheese was traditionally made from the milk of mountain cows, which were well known for producing particularly tasty milk. What differentiates this milk is its abundant nutrients, which allows for the cheese to have a unique flavor and complexity. As a result, it is often included in traditional Piedmontese cuisine.

The taste of Raschera is distinct yet versatile. It has a mild, nutty flavor with fruity undertones that add complexity to the taste. When aged, the cheese acquires a slightly sharper taste and a more pronounced aroma. In addition, its texture varies between soft and creamy when young, and firmer and more crumbly as it ages.

When it comes to cooking, Raschera can be used in a variety of ways. From warm salads to cheesy fondues, it adds flavor and texture to many dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter, paired with fruits or nuts for an additional flavor dimension.

When shopping for Raschera, it is important to be aware of the various types available. The most commonly found varieties are Fresca, Mezzano and Stagionata, ranging in age from two to twelve months. Fresca is the youngest and mildest type, with a creamy texture and delicate flavors. Mezzano, usually aged from four to eight months, has a more complex, nutty taste and a firmer texture. Lastly, Stagionato, aged for more than 10 months, has an intense nutty flavor and a crumbly texture.

At the end of the day, no matter what type you choose, each type of Raschera offers a delicious and unique experience that is sure to tantalize any palate.