Bel Paese (cheese) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bel Paese |
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| Country of origin | Italy |
| Region | Lombardy |
| Town | Melzo |
| Texture | semi-soft |
Bel Paese (pronounced "bell pah-EH-zeh") is a delicious, semi-soft Italian cheese. It was created in 1906 by a man named Egidio Galbani. He wanted to make a cheese that was mild and tasty, mostly for people in Italy to enjoy. The name Bel Paese comes from the title of a book written by Antonio Stoppani. It means "beautiful country" in Italian, and is also a famous phrase used to describe Italy itself.
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What is Bel Paese Cheese?
Bel Paese cheese is made from cow's milk. It is known for being creamy and having a light, milky smell. The cheese is a pale, creamy yellow color. It comes in small, round discs. This cheese is quite similar to French Saint-Paulin cheese and German Butterkäse.
Where Does Bel Paese Come From?
Bel Paese cheese was first made in Melzo, a small town near Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy. Today, you can find it made in both Italy and the United States.
How is Bel Paese Made?
This cheese takes about six to eight weeks to become fully ready. During this time, it develops its special mild, buttery flavor.
How to Enjoy Bel Paese
Bel Paese is a very versatile cheese. It has a mild, buttery taste. Many people enjoy it as a snack or a dessert cheese. It melts easily, making it great for pizzas or in casseroles. Sometimes, it is even used instead of mozzarella cheese. It pairs well with fruity wines, like dry red or white types.
How to Spot Real Bel Paese
You can tell if Bel Paese cheese is genuine by looking at its wrapping. The wrapping has an image of the Italian geologist and paleontologist Antonio Stoppani. His book, Il bel paese, gave the cheese its name. If the cheese is made in Italy, Stoppani's picture will have a map of Italy next to it. If the cheese is made in the United States, his picture will have a map of America.
