Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a deliciously creamy cheese that can be used in countless recipes and meals, from lasagnas to quiches, and is found in grocery stores all over the world. Many people enjoy this mild cheese, but few know how ricotta cheese goes from its humble beginnings as a curd to becoming a delicious topping for a dinner plate.

To begin, understand that ricotta cheese is made from whey. Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, the remaining liquid after cheese curds have been separated from coagulated milk and removed. This liquid, which is high in lactose, is centrifuged; this removes most of the fat, proteins, and remaining lactose, which leaves a liquid that is then heated. The high temperature causes the proteins remaining to denature and bond together to form a firm cheese-like material known as curds.

As the curds are heated, they are stirred and broken into small pieces and begin to form ricotta cheese curds. The longer the ricotta cheese curds are heated and the larger thepieces, the chewier the ricotta will become. ricotta cheese curds are then placed in baskets which are then drained and shaped, forming a firm and chunky cheese.

After formation, the ricotta cheese is placed in molds and cooled, usually at temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.Once in the molds, the ricotta is allowed to stand for two to three hours. This draining helps to further differentiate ricotta from mozzarella and other types of Italian cheeses. However, the draining process also affects the ricotta's flavor and texture, making the ricotta less flavorful and more crumbly.

Once the ricotta cheese is cooled and drained, it is ready for packaging and shipping. Ricotta cheese is often vacuum packed in order to extend its shelf life, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, depending on the package’s expiration date. Vacuum sealing also helps to keep the cheese fresh and gives it a longer shelf life.

For some specialty ricotta cheese, additional steps may be involved. For example, some brands of ricotta cheese may be smoked or aged in order to bring out unique flavor notes and give the cheese an extra creamy texture. Ricotta salata is another type of ricotta cheese which is formed into bricks, salt-brined, aged, and then aged further in a fruity olive oil.

Once ricotta cheese has been packaged and shipped, it makes its way to the supermarket shelves where consumers can buy it. After being purchased, the ricotta cheese needs to be stored in the refrigerator until it is ready to be used in a dish for a savory snack or a sophisticated Italian dish.

Once the ricotta is ready to be used, the chef or the consumer needs to decide how to use the cheese. Ricotta cheese can be used in a variety of savory dishes such as lasagna, ravioli, cannoli, and quiches. It is also used in sauces and desserts, stirred into salad dressings, spread on toast or bread, and as a topping on pizza. Ricotta cheese can also be eaten plain with a sprinkle of herbs, salt, pepper, or herbs.

Once the ricotta cheese has been used in a recipe, it needs to be cooked. Ricotta cheese is a delicate cheese that does not need to be cooked for very long. If it is cooked for too long, it will become rubbery and unpredictably salty. This means that the chef needs to monitor the cooking process carefully to ensure the texture and flavor of the cheese remain intact. Once the dish is complete, the ricotta cheese is ready to be enjoyed by the lucky diner.

So there you have it – the journey of ricotta cheese from its source as a curd to its final resting place on a dinner plate. Ricotta cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that is capable of being used in a variety of dishes. Whether it is added to a chef-crafted dish or enjoyed on its own with a few herbs, ricotta cheese is sure to put a smile on your face.