Provolone del Monaco: A Treasure from Campania
Provolone del Monaco is a semi-hard, aged cheese from the lush hills of the Lattari Mountains in Campania, Italy. With its rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, this PDO-protected cheese represents the best of Italian artisanal craftsmanship. Perfect for cheese boards, cooking, or pairing with wine, Provolone del Monaco offers a taste of southern Italy’s culinary heritage.
What Is Provolone del Monaco?
Cheesemakers craft Provolone del Monaco as a stretched-curd cheese (pasta filata) using raw cow’s milk, primarily from the Agerolese breed.The cheese has a pear-shaped form, often tied with a rope, and weighs between 2.5 to 5 kilograms. Its aging process, which lasts at least six months, results in a hard, golden rind and a creamy, straw-colored interior with small holes.
The cheese delivers a robust yet balanced flavor, featuring notes of butter, hazelnuts, and a hint of spice that intensify with age.
A Brief History
The origins of this cheese date back to the 18th century. Cheesemakers from the Lattari Mountains would transport their products to Naples by sea. To protect themselves from the chilly morning air, they wore heavy cloaks resembling monks’ robes, earning the cheese its unique name—“del Monaco” means “of the monk.”
This cheese has since grown into a cherished symbol of Campania’s dairy traditions. In 2010, authorities awarded it PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status to ensure its authenticity and quality.
How This Cheese Is Made
The production of this cheese follows traditional methods:
Milk Selection: Cheesemakers use raw milk from Agerolese cows, whose diet of wild herbs and mountain grasses imparts a unique flavor.
Curd Formation: The milk is curdled with natural rennet, then cut and heated to achieve the desired consistency.
Stretching and Shaping: The curds are stretched and molded by hand into the characteristic pear shape.
Salting and Aging: Cheesemakers salt the cheese and age it in cool, ventilated caves for at least six months, allowing it to develop its distinctive taste and aroma.
Culinary Uses
This cheese is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here’s how you can enjoy it:
On a Cheese Board: Serve it with fresh fruit like figs or pears, and pair it with honey or chutney.
Grated Over Dishes: Use it to enhance the flavor of pasta, risotto, or baked casseroles.
Melted in Recipes: Incorporate it into savory pies, pizza, or a classic Italian panino.
Pairing Provolone del Monaco
Pairing this cheese with the right accompaniments enhances its complex flavor:
Wine: Opt for a bold red like Aglianico or a medium-bodied white like Falanghina.
Bread: Crusty Italian bread or focaccia complements its richness.
Accompaniments: Try it with nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
Where to Find Provolone del Monaco
You can find authentic Provolone del Monaco at Italian specialty shops or through online retailers. At Bottega Italiana, we offer PDO-certified Provolone del Monaco, sourced directly from Campania’s best producers.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese
This is more than just a cheese—it’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and the flavors of southern Italy. Whether enjoyed on its own or in your favorite recipes, this Campanian treasure is sure to delight cheese lovers everywhere.
Have you tried Provolone del Monaco? Share your favorite ways to enjoy this exceptional cheese in the comments!
Photo by Ago Press®, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons