what is provola

Provola is an Italian cheese known for its typical cylindrical or pear shape, often with a small knob at the top tied with string. It has a white paste and rind, with a compact, elastic, and soft consistency. The flavor of provola is generally sweet, slightly acidic, and delicate. It is considered one of the oldest cheeses in Southern Italy and its name likely comes from a "test" (prova), where a sample of the cheese was taken during production to check its stretchability. Provola is made from cow's milk and is a stretched-curd ("pasta filata") cheese, similar in processing to mozzarella but aged for a longer period. There are plain and smoked varieties of provola, with aging times ranging from a few months to several years. It can come in various shapes including long sausage style, bottle-shaped, or pear-shaped with a knob. Provola is smaller and milder compared to provolone, which is a larger cheese with a stronger flavor. Provolone, originating from Northern Italy, is often aged longer and can have a sharp or sweet taste. Both cheeses belong to the same family, with provola essentially being a smaller version of provolone. Provola has an important place in Italian cuisine, especially in regions like Campania, Puglia, and Molise, where it has been produced for centuries. It is also popular in pizzerias around Naples and often used in both fresh and smoked forms. In summary, provola is a traditional Italian stretched-curd cheese, smaller and milder than provolone, with a soft, elastic texture and a sweet, slightly acidic taste. It can be found fresh or smoked, typically made from cow's milk, and holds historical significance in Southern Italy's cheese-making tradition.