Italian Specialty Guide
With a history of cheese and meats that dates over thousands of years, the Italians are amongst the most passionate and particular about their cuisine. Though cheese is believed to have originated in the Middle East, it was the Romans who made it a staple of the Italian diet, streamlining its production and inventing new cheese making techniques. Cheese was so important to the Romans, that they had separate kitchens solely for making cheese. Through the medieval times, monasteries became the epicenter of the cheese-making industry in Italy. It was here that methods were developed that are still in use today. Farmers and cheese makers were careful to use every resource available to them; this resulted in the creation of Mozzarella di Bufala, one of the world’s most popular cheeses, made from the milk of the Water Buffalo who were originally intended to pull the plows on the farm. Italian meats enjoy the same elite status as their cheese counterparts, with Prosciutto di Parma or Speck Alto Adige earning Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O) status along with cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Steeped in history and centered on local and regional traditions, Italian cheese and meats are known for their quality, taste and unique Italian flare. From Gelmini Gorgonzola, to Red Label Piave and Fontana Prosciutto, Atalanta’s selection of Italian specialties is as passionate as their Italian heritage. Our line of Italian products include: Blue Cheese Fresh Cheese Hard Cheese Specialty Meat Specialty Grocery Pasta Dessert & Beverages