MONTEREY, CA (December 1, 2010) Royal Rose Radicchio of Salinas, Calif. is celebrating National Cheese Lover’s Day (held every January 20th) with radicchio recipes and pairing suggestions.
The increasingly sophisticated American palate has discovered the strengths of radicchio — its alluring color, satisfying bitterness, and refreshing crunch. Nothing compliments the complexity of this Italian chicory better than a rich cheese; like spaghetti and meatballs, radicchio and cheese belong together. Great chefs have long known that we begin the dining experience first with our eyes, and radicchio holds great visual appeal, with its vibrant, wine-colored leaves that brighten any dish. Then comes mouth-feel, and few foods can match this versatile vegetable’s texture that lends a cool, refreshing crispness to the plate. Finally, as we chew, flavor hits our 10,000-plus taste buds, and radicchio’s peppery, slightly bitter essence provides a soothing counterbalance to the other flavors of salt, sweet and sour. Whether a cheese is creamy, or salty, or sweet, it allows for the multi-dimensional flavor characteristics of the radicchio.
Like radicchio, cheese is protected and categorized by its geographic origin in Italy . DOP stands for denominazione d’origine protetta, or protected designation of origin. Italian cheeses were made according to a certain historical method in an approved region, made according to time-honored and internationally permitted methods. Italy is appropriately famous for its formaggi, with over 450 varieties of cheese used in cooking, eaten with meals, and paired with food and wine.
Source: Royal Rose Radicchio