Expert on provolone cheese? (snacks, Italian, grocery store, cheap)

[treeluvr]

Generally, I like most kinds of cheese. But, I'm wondering if I should give up on provolone, even though it is called for in many Italian recipes. I have tried different brands, but it always seems to have an unpleasant bitter after taste. I know it's a popular cheese on the east coast. Is it actually supposed to be bitter? Or, have I just not found a good brand?

[BoSox 15]

Depends on what you're making and depends on what kind of cheese you're buying.

Have you ever tried provolone from a cheese shop? (not the kind you get pre-sliced or from your grocery store deli)

Edited to add - I do like the Boars Head Picante Provolone cheese, it's a reasonably priced, good cheese you can get from the deli.

[elnina]

I don't think it has a bitter aftertaste. I just think it's horribly bland.
Why?
The Italian provolone boasted "bold," "nutty," "complex" flavor, while the domestic cheeses were generally "bland" and "plasticky."
For recipes that call for melted provolone, the top-rated domestic provolone is acceptable - but don't serve it on your cheese plate.
So, if you want a great taste - don't buy domestic.

[mainebrokerman]

I use it for Florentines.....I like it

[turkeydance]

try sprinkling some salt on it.
might work, and it is cheap to try.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by elnina

I don't think it has a bitter aftertaste. I just think it's horribly bland.
Why?
The Italian provolone boasted "bold," "nutty," "complex" flavor, while the domestic cheeses were generally "bland" and "plasticky."
For recipes that call for melted provolone, the top-rated domestic provolone is acceptable - but don't serve it on your cheese plate.
So, if you want a great taste - don't buy domestic.

Precisely this. The domestic stuff from the store has no taste...

[rrah]

Often I see smoked provolone. I'm not a fan and really have to look for non-smoked sometimes. Which kind are you buying? I'm wondering if it's smoked and causing the aftertaste.

[treeluvr]

Originally Posted by BoSox 15

Depends on what you're making and depends on what kind of cheese you're buying.

Have you ever tried provolone from a cheese shop? (not the kind you get pre-sliced or from your grocery store deli)

Edited to add - I do like the Boars Head Picante Provolone cheese, it's a reasonably priced, good cheese you can get from the deli.

The first kind I tried was Boars Head--don't remember that it was picante, but I did find it bitter. Buying a chunk from a good cheese shop may be the way to go.

[treeluvr]

Originally Posted by turkeydance

try sprinkling some salt on it.
might work, and it is cheap to try.

Well, I have most of package left so I'll try it with salt--had not heard of that as a remedy for bitter. Either the salt or it will be dog snacks.

[treeluvr]

Originally Posted by rrah

Often I see smoked provolone. I'm not a fan and really have to look for non-smoked sometimes. Which kind are you buying? I'm wondering if it's smoked and causing the aftertaste.

No, not buying smoked provolone. Mostly have bought sliced at the supermarket. I suspect I am extra sensitive to rancid flavors which might cause the bitterness.