Stracchino facts for kids
Stracchino is a super soft and creamy Italian cheese. People also call it crescenza. It's made from cow's milk and comes from regions like Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, and Liguria in northern Italy.
This cheese is special because it's eaten very young. It doesn't have a hard outer crust, called a rind. Instead, it's smooth, creamy, and usually has a mild, gentle taste. Stracchino often comes in a square shape.
Where Does the Name Stracchino Come From?
The name Stracchino has a cool story! It comes from the word strach in the Lombard language. This word means "tired."
Legend says that the best milk for this cheese came from cows that were a bit tired. These cows had just finished their long journey down from the high Alps mountains in the autumn. When cows travel like this, their milk can become richer and a little more acidic. This special milk gives Stracchino its unique and delicious flavors.
How is Stracchino Enjoyed?
Stracchino is often eaten all by itself, perhaps with some fresh bread. But it's also a popular filling for different kinds of Italian breads.
For example, in a town called Recco on the Italian Riviera, people love focaccia col formaggio. This means "cheese focaccia." It's a thin, crispy bread filled with creamy Stracchino.
In another Italian region called Romagna, Stracchino is a common filling for a dish called cascione. This is made from piadina, which is a thin, flatbread. So, whether on its own or inside a tasty bread, Stracchino is a favorite treat!
