Provolone Cheese Nutrition Facts

Additional Information

With its distinctive flavor and smooth texture, Provolone is a popular choice among cheese connoisseurs and culinary enthusiasts alike. This semi-hard Italian cheese has gained worldwide recognition for its versatility and ability to enhance a wide range of dishes. In this expert article, we will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of provolone cheese.

Characteristics

Provolone cheese is characterized by its pale yellow color and a firm yet smooth texture. It is made from cow’s milk and comes in both dolce (sweet) and piccante (sharp) varieties. While dolce provolone has a mild and buttery flavor, piccante provolone has a sharper and more pungent flavor.
One of the characteristics of provolone cheese is its excellent melting properties. When heated, provolone cheese becomes wonderfully gooey and stringy, making it an ideal choice for sandwiches, casseroles and pizzas. Its versatility extends beyond melting, as it can also be enjoyed sliced or grated in salads, pasta dishes, or as a snack on its own.

Advantages:

1. High in protein: Provolone cheese is a good source of protein with approximately 7.3 grams per ounce. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.
2. Calcium Boost: Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Provolone cheese provides a significant amount of calcium, with approximately 16% of the recommended daily allowance per ounce. Incorporating provolone cheese into your diet can help meet your calcium needs.
3. Flavor Enhancer: Provolone cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Its unique taste can enhance the flavor profile of sandwiches, burgers, pastas and more. Whether enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient, provolone cheese brings a satisfying umami flavor to your culinary creations.
4. High in Vitamin A Provolone cheese contains a modest amount of vitamin A, providing about 5% of the recommended daily allowance per ounce. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth.

Disadvantages:

1. Sodium content: Provolone cheese is relatively high in sodium. It contains approximately 248 milligrams of sodium per ounce, which may be a concern for individuals on a low-sodium diet or those with high blood pressure. It’s important to consume provolone cheese in moderation and consider lower-sodium alternatives when necessary.
2. Caloric Density: While provolone cheese can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, it is high in calories. At approximately 100 calories per ounce, individuals who are trying to manage their weight should be mindful of portion sizes and include provolone cheese in their overall caloric intake.
3. Saturated Fat: Provolone cheese contains saturated fat at approximately 4.8 grams per ounce. A high intake of saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended that provolone cheese be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

provolone cheese is a versatile and flavorful delight that offers numerous culinary possibilities. Its unique flavor, excellent melting properties, and nutritional benefits make it a favorite among cheese lovers. However, it is important to be aware of its sodium, calorie density and saturated fat content. By including provolone in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, you can enjoy its exquisite flavors while reaping its potential health benefits.

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between dolce and piccante provolone?

Dolce provolone cheese has a mild and buttery flavor, while piccante provolone cheese is sharper and spicier. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference and the desired flavor profile of your dish.

Can provolone be used as a substitute for other cheeses?

Yes, provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for other cheeses in various recipes. It is particularly similar in flavor and melting characteristics to low moisture mozzarella. Other suitable substitutes include semi-solid Cheddar, Fontina, Scamorza, Gouda and Monterey Jack.

Is provolone a good source of protein?

Yes, provolone is a good source of protein. It contains about 7.3 grams of protein per ounce, which is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health.

Are there lower sodium alternatives to provolone?

If you are on a low-sodium diet or watching your sodium intake, there are low-sodium alternatives to provolone cheese. Look for reduced-sodium or low-sodium varieties of provolone cheese, or consider other low-sodium cheeses such as Swiss or mozzarella.

Can provolone cheese be enjoyed by people who are watching their calorie intake?

Although provolone cheese is high in calories, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to include provolone cheese in your overall caloric intake. If you are trying to manage your weight, consider low-fat or semi-skimmed varieties of provolone cheese.