Asiago cheese
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2008-07-13T19:49:53Z
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Removed incorrect pronunciation
[[Image:Asiago cheese.jpg|thumb|right|Asiago cheese.]]
'''Asiago cheese''' ({{pron-en|azi'ago}}) is an [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] [[cheese]] that according to the different [[aging]] can assume different textures, from smooth for the fresh Asiago cheese (Asiago Pressato) to a crumbly [[texture]] for the aged cheese (Asiago d'allevo) of which the [[flavor]] is reminiscent of sharp [[Cheddar cheese|Cheddar]] and [[Parmesan]]. The aged cheese is often grated in [[salad]]s, [[soup]]s, [[pasta]]s, and [[sauce]]s while the fresh Asiago cheese is sliced to prepare [[panini]] or [[sandwich]]es; it can also be molten on a variety of dishes. Asiago is treated as interchangeable with the [[parmesan]] and [[romano cheese]]s in some cuisines.
As Asiago has a [[protected designation of origin]] (''Denominazione di Origine Protetta'' or DOP, see below)<ref>[http://www.asiagocheese.it/asiago_dop_engl.html Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago], the consortium overseeing the use of the name Asiago.</ref>, the only "official" Asiago cheese is produced in the [[Alps|alpine]] area of the town of [[Asiago]], [[province of Vicenza]], in the [[Veneto]] region, and now is also made in the Alpine region of the [[Province of Trento]], which has become part of the DOP area for Asiago cheese production. Most Asiago cheese in the world, however, is made elsewhere using techniques and [[Microbiological culture|cultures]] that produce a cheese of the same or similar flavor.
== Production ==
Asiago is produced in [[co-op]]s, specialized groups of local [[dairy|dairies]] which provide high-quality grassfed [[cow's milk]]. Alpine milk is what makes Asiago a special, healthy<ref>http://www.altacucinasociety.com/products_detail.asp?id=13</ref> cheese. [[Alpine meadow]]s have a larger variety of grass species, medicinal plants and flowers all of which contribute to a better tasting milk with a higher protein content.
===Protected designation of origin===
Asiago cheese is an Italian D.O.P. product (Denominazione di Origine Protetta), equivalent to a [[Protected Designation of Origin]] (PDO). This simply means that the product can be considered as real by European law if and only if it is produced in its specific origin area, and according to a specific regime, known as the ''Disciplinare di produzione''. The EU law does not necessarily apply outside the [[European Union]]. Previously it had enjoyed protected status in a number of European countries with which Italy had [[bi-lateral agreement]]s under the ''Denominazione d’Origine'' awarded by the [[presidential decree]] of 21 December 1978 and subsequently modified by the prime-ministerial decree of [[1993-08-03]], and by the ministerial decree of [[1995-06-06]] under which the current ''Disciplinare'' came into force. [http://www.milkonline.com/fiera/cheese/disciplinari/Asiago.htm]<sup>,</sup>[http://www.prodottitipici.com/prodotto/0148/asiago-d-allevo.htm]
An American-made Asiago-type cheese is also available, usually made in Wisconsin. It tastes completely different from the original Asiago with typically pleasant butterscotch undertones that intensify when aged.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}
== Varieties ==
Fresh Asiago cheese is tender and can be used in the preparation of sandwiches and panini or as a table cheese. Aged Asiago cheese can be used for grating and as a table cheese. The aged Asiago cheese can be granular, like Parmesan or aged Gouda, and can feature a bit of a crunch due to a buildup of [[Tyrosine]], an amino acid found in milk that crystallizes over time in aged cheeses. The more Tyrosine found in milk the higher quality the milk and a considerable amount has to be present for it to crystalize; therefore a crystalin texture is considered a sign of high quality in aged cheese. Aged Asiago cheese features a very concentrated, complex variety of flavors ranging from the fruity, to the nutty, to the pungent. Some wheels can even taste a little like toasted bread.
===Traditional asiago===
[[Image:Cheese_74_bg_082006.jpg|thumb|Asiago Pressato Cheese and crackers]]
This cheese is available in flavors ranging from fresh to mild to aged, and the types are described by their flavor. ''Dolce'' describes a mildly spicy asiago, several months old; ''medio'' describes a stronger product, aged longer; and ''piccante'' asiago is a hard, aged cheese with a piquant flavor, suitable for grating. Piccante asiago is also enjoyed as a flavorful table cheese, eaten in paper-thin slices.
===Asiago d’Allevo===
This is the mature, hard cheese. It is produced from skimmed raw cows’ milk and sold in flat cheese wheels weighing 18 to 31 pounds (8 to 14 kg). It is marketed as fresh (fresco) asiago, aged two to three months, good for sandwiches and salads, and medium-ripe (mezzano), aged four to five months. Slow-ripened (vecchio) asiago, aged nine months or longer, is a table cheese, also suitable for cooking.
== Preparation, uses, and tips ==
Asiago is enjoyed as a complement to pasta, rice, pizza, or soup. It can also be served with hearty bread, salami, or such fruits as fresh figs or pears, and it goes well with a variety of beverages such as red wine, cranberry juice, and sparkling grape juice.
=== Nutritional highlights ===
*Asiago cheese, 1 oz (28 g)
*Energy: 110 calories (460 kJ)
*Protein: 7.5 g
*Carbohydrate: 0.67 g
*Total Fat: 8.7 g
*Fiber: 0.0 g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (226 mg)
*Good source of: Phosphorus (145 mg)
Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.
==External links==
*[http://www.asiagocheese.it/asiago_dop_engl.html Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago] {{en icon}} The producers’ consortium
*[http://www.milkonline.com/fiera/cheese/default.htm www.milkonline.com, ''Asiago''] {{en icon}}
*[http://www.milkonline.com/fiera/cheese/disciplinari/Asiago.htm ''Disciplinare di produzione della Denominazione di origine del formaggio "Asiago"''] {{it}}
*[http://www.prodottitipici.com/prodotto/0149/asiago-pressato.htm www.prodottitipici.com, ''Asiago pressato''] {{it}}
*[http://www.prodottitipici.com/prodotto/0148/asiago-d-allevo.htm www.prodottitipici.com, ''Asiago d’allevo''] {{it}}
[[Category:Italian cheeses]]
[[Category:Cow's-milk cheeses]]
[[Category:Italian products with protected designation of origin]]
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{{Italian cheeses}}