Kitchen Dictionary: provolone

An all-purpose semi-hard Italian cheese with a firm texture and a mild, smoky flavor. The thin, hard rind is golden-yellow and shiny. Italian-style provolone can be made with buffalo or cow's milk, or a mixture of the two. Sometimes it’s lightly smoked. Provolone, like mozzarella, is a pulled or stretched curd cheese with two varieties. Dolce (mild Provolone) is aged 2-3 three months, and is a semisoft, mild, smooth table cheese. Piccante is aged 6-12 months and has a stronger flavor. Provolone used for cooking, dessert purposes and grating.

Ethnicity: Italian Ingredient

Season: available year-round