Numerous Italian cheese are on show on the “Formaggiamo!” occasion commemorating the Week of Italian Delicacies within the World, at Excessive Road Italia in southern Seoul in November. Courtesy of Diary R
Italian cheese is having a second in Korea. Whereas mozzarella has lengthy been round as a necessary for pizza, now a wider world of Italian cheese — from Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano to burrata and ricotta — is capturing the eye of Korean meals lovers.
To assist this rising curiosity, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Commerce Company (ITA) have been actively selling genuine Italian cheese by chef‑led masterclasses and tasting classes. These applications introduce Korean audiences to genuine Italian flavors whereas providing sensible recommendations on incorporate cheese into on a regular basis cooking.
A cheese plate with bread and fruit is served with wine. Specialists urge clients to keep away from buying faux Italian cheese by checking the label and origin. Courtesy of Han Sang-hee
Authenticity issues
Italian delicacies is admired worldwide, however it faces a persistent problem: imitation.
“Koreans can respect the standard and excellence of Italian delicacies. It is without doubt one of the most necessary markets in Asia, however we have to allow you to uncover extra and acknowledge the true deal,” Ferdinando Gueli, the top of ITA, mentioned.
These imitations, usually packaged to make a product look like Italian, use Italian-sounding names, colours or imagery to market gadgets with no real connection to Italy, deceptive shoppers and undermining genuine Italian craftsmanship.
Cheese is not any exception, based on Gueli. Counterfeit variations of parmesan and mozzarella are the most typical, and consultants encourage consumers to discover ways to inform the true deal from imitations.
Packaging that includes the image for Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) is used for merchandise the place all levels of manufacturing are carried out in a particular geographical zone. Courtesy of Diary R
“First, you must verify the label and origin. Verify the label and flip the cheese over and attempt to discover these two symbols: Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) or Protected Geographical Indication (IGP),” Gueli defined.
These two labels are particular certifications acknowledged by the European Union (EU). Whereas IGP requires just one step within the manufacturing, processing or preparation to be linked to a geographical space, DOP wants all levels to be carried out in a particular geographical zone, making it a stricter certification. Each, nevertheless, point out that the cheese is an genuine Italian cheese.
“Eighty p.c of the cheeses in Italy are licensed by regulation with DOP and IGP. There are some 480 varieties and round 300 are licensed. We take Italian cheese historical past and manufacturing very significantly,” mentioned Gueli.
Italian chef Fabrizio Ferrari demonstrates cooking with cheese throughout the “Formaggiamo!” occasion commemorating the Week of Italian Delicacies within the World, at Excessive Road Italia in southern Seoul in November. Courtesy of Diary R
Cheese as tradition
Superstar chef Fabrizio Ferrari, who appeared in “Culinary Class Wars,” understands the significance of cheese in Italian delicacies, simply as he understands the symbolic significance of “jang” (fermented sauces) for Korean delicacies.
“I consider the Italian counterpart of Korean jang is cheese. They’re each fermented and provides that additional one thing to the dish. At any time when I see ‘meju’ (dried fermented soybeans) or ‘doenjang’ (soybean paste), I immediately consider cheese,” Ferrari mentioned, explaining the varied varieties and makes use of of Italian cheese in certainly one of his grasp courses through the Week of Italian Delicacies within the World in November.
In keeping with Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto, whereas the 2 international locations have a lot in widespread, there may be all the time room for additional cooperation.
“Korea is main in comfortable energy with Okay-pop and Okay-dramas, whereas Italy is re-emerging itself as a know-how powerhouse. We have to collaborate to convey each strengths collectively to create one thing extra,” Gatto mentioned. “We are going to convey the authenticity and high quality. Korean shoppers have to know and acknowledge what they’re consuming is actual.”
Parmigiano Reggiano is usually referred to as the “king of cheeses” due to its versatility and recognition. Courtesy of Han Sang-hee
Here’s a fast information to key Italian cheeses and the place to take pleasure in them in Seoul.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is usually referred to as the “king of cheeses” for its versatility and depth of taste. This difficult cow’s milk cheese should be produced and aged in particular areas, however particularly the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, and matured for not less than 12 months. Each Parmigiano Reggiano and the extra normal title “parmesan” are protected by the DOP in each Italy and the EU. Its nutty, savory taste makes it excellent grated over pasta, stirred in soups or just loved in chunks with wine and dried fruit.
Grana Padano is similar to Parmigiano Reggiano however is produced in Lombardy underneath barely much less strict guidelines and could be loved after an ageing technique of 9 months, giving it a milder profile.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella’s reputation in Korea has soared alongside the rise of Neapolitan-style pizza.
This contemporary cow’s milk cheese has many variations, the most well-liked being burrata from the Apulia area and mozzarella di bufala from Campania. Bufala is made from buffalo milk and has a supple texture and distinct taste, whereas burrata is comprised of cow’s milk and has shredded cheese and cream inside a pouch made from mozzarella.
Each must be eaten very contemporary and shortly after being made, and are glorious merely dressed with olive oil and salt or on high of a salad.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a pointy, salty sheep’s milk cheese courting again to historical Rome. As a DOP cheese, it should be produced in particular areas, together with Sardinia and the province of Grosseto.
Historically grated over pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or amatriciana, it can be loved by itself with bread and good olive oil.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola, Italy’s well-known blue cheese, hails from the city of the identical title and is comprised of cow’s milk underneath DOP laws. It’s produced in two important types: “dolce,” which is softer, creamier and milder, and “piccante,” which is firmer, extra crumbly and extra pungent due to longer ageing than dolce.
In Italy, gorgonzola is used on salads, pizzas and in wealthy sauces, or just paired with wine. In Korea, it’s usually paired with honey for a sweet-and-savory mixture that appeals to native palates.
Ricotta
Contemporary and versatile, ricotta is a comfortable cheese made utilizing leftover whey from making different cheeses, like mozzarella. It’s broadly utilized in spreads, salads, desserts, baked dishes like lasagna and whilst an alternative choice to Greek yogurt.
Solely a handful of ricotta varieties are DOP-certified, akin to Ricotta di Bufala Campana and Ricotta Romana, that are comprised of the whey of mozzarella di bufala and Pecorino Romano, respectively.
A wide range of cheese provided at Le Friand / Courtesy of Le Friand
Freshness is every part in the case of mozzarella, one of the fashionable Italian cheeses in Korea. Moo.vement in southern Seoul produces and sells contemporary cheese, guaranteeing the identical freshness as that in Italy. Courtesy of Moo.vement
The place to seek out cheese in Seoul
Moo.vement
■ Handle: 20 Seolleung-ro 145-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
■ Cellphone: 0507-1457-0372
■ Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
■ Instagram: @moo.vement_latteria
Moo.vement features as a small city dairy within the coronary heart of Gangnam, producing mozzarella and burrata contemporary each day on the store. The bottom ground store sells selfmade cheese, whereas the decrease ground is a deli and restaurant providing dishes constructed round their cheeses, making them an incredible place to expertise actually contemporary mozzarella and burrata.
Cheeseflo
■ Handle: 19 Itaewon-ro 49-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
■ Cellphone: (02) 794-7010
■ Hours: 11:45 a.m.- 9 p.m.
■ Instagram: @cheeseflo
Positioned close to the Leeum Museum of Artwork, Cheeseflo combines Korean dairy and European experience to supply an union of tastes and experiences. Chef Cho Jang-hyun is a cheese maker who has studied in New Zealand, France, London, Australia and Italy. The store affords greater than 30 kinds of cheeses, along with in-house chilly cuts akin to salami. Cheese lovers may also be part of their Flo Salon occasions and cheese tastings each month.
Hans N Gretel
■ Handle: 212-1 Hannam I-Park, 46 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
■ Cellphone: (02) 749-0120
■ Hours: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
■ Instagram: @hans.n._.gretel
Hannam-dong’s Hans N Gretel has no in-store eating, however the take-out store affords a wide array of European cheeses, together with Italian and French varieties. There’s usually a queue, however it strikes rapidly. Small tastings can be found earlier than buy, a useful perk when navigating new cheese territory.
Le Friand
■ Handle: B1, 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho District, Seoul
■ Cellphone: 0507-1446-0324
■ Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
■ Instagram: @lefriandcheese
Inside Shinsegae Division Retailer Gangnam, Le Friand caters to consumers looking for a wide array of cheeses. The brand new store affords all kinds of cheeses and may create custom-made cheese plates. Select your cheese, add garnishes like olives, cured meats and dried fruits, sauces or jams, and you’ve got a customized get together able to go.
Han Sang-hee is a former employees reporter at The Korea Instances and a former editor at CNN Journey. She is predicated in Stuttgart, Germany, however now lives in Seoul along with her Italian husband and two daughters and shares tales on her Instagram @rachelsanghee.
