Learn about Giolitti Deli’s featured cheese of the week: Bel Paese!
At Giolitti Deli, we have many types of cheese available for purchase. After all, the Giolitti name has been synonymous with great food since opening their first “latteria” (a shop specializing in milk, cheese, and other dairy products) in Rome in 1889! Continue reading to learn more about this week’s featured cheese Bel Paese, and visit us to purchase the cheese at $11.99/lb.
Origin
Bel Paese is a semi-soft cheese from the Lombardy region, formulated by Egidio Galbani in 1906. Bel Paese means ‘beautiful country’ in Italian, and got its name from a book by Antonio Stoppani titled “Il Bel Paese,” published in 1873. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, with a creamy and smooth texture.
Galbani created the product because he wanted a mild Italian cheese that could compete with French Alpine cheeses. Bel Paese takes six to eight weeks to mature and comes in various sizes- from small pieces to large five-pound wheels. You can easily spot the difference from an original Bel Paese to an American one, as the original has a map of Italy and a photo of Stoppani on the label, while the other has a map of the United States.
Taste
Bel Paese is pale yellow with a pleasant milky aroma infused with a mild buttery flavor that comes wrapped in a waxed, foil, or plastic rind. The taste is similar to Mozzarella and St. Paulin, and it goes well with fruits such as apples or pears. While it is hard to spread the Italian cheese, it’s soft enough to slice easily. Also, it has a good melting capacity and is perfect for casseroles, hot paninis, or even on pizza. To bring out the sweeter side of the cheese, try a drizzle of honey and a handful of chopped nuts. It pairs well with fruity wines and has a reputation of being a dessert cheese.
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!
Tags: bel paese, cheese, Giolitti Deli, italian food, italy