Asiago cheese is a firm cow’s milk cheese that originated in the Asiago plateau region of Italy. It is available in a wide range of textures, from smooth and creamy when fresh, to firm and grainy when aged. Asiago is sometimes seen as a spicy alternative to Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, but how hot and spicy is it really?
The Flavor Profile of Asiago Cheese
The flavor of Asiago cheese can range from mild to sharp depending on its age. Fresh Asiago has a milky, sweet taste with a slightly tangy finish. As it ages, the flavor intensifies and becomes more complex, with nutty and salty notes coming through. Well-aged Asiago can have a pungent, almost fruity taste.
Spiciness is not a defining characteristic of Asiago cheese. Even very aged varieties have only a subtle peppery kick, far less pronounced than cheeses like Romano or Parmesan. The spicy heat comes from the breakdown of proteins and fats during the aging process. However, it is a relatively small part of the overall flavor.
Comparing the Spiciness of Asiago to Other Cheeses
On the Scoville scale used to measure spiciness, most Asiago cheeses would rank at less than 500 Scoville heat units (SHU). In comparison:
- Mozzarella cheese scores about 100 SHU
- Cheddar cheese scores about 200 SHU
- Parmesan cheese scores around 500 SHU
- Asiago cheese scores up to about 350 SHU
- Pepper Jack cheese scores about 600-800 SHU
- Habanero chili peppers score 100,000-350,000 SHU
So you can see that while Asiago may add a bit of a kick compared to very mild cheeses, it is nowhere near the intense heat of spicy peppers. The spiciness is subtle enough that Asiago can be enjoyed even by those sensitive to heat.
Factors Affecting the Spiciness of Asiago
There are a few key factors that impact the spiciness level in Asiago cheese:
Age
Younger Asiago is very mild, while aging makes it more pungent and complex. Aged Asiago can be slightly spicy, but still not excessively hot.
Region of Production
Asiago from the Asiago region of Italy tends to be milder. Asiago produced in Wisconsin from American milk can have a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
Diet of the Cows
The compounds that cause spiciness are found naturally in the milk. The cow’s diet impacts these levels, with more diverse diets producing slightly spicier milk.
Individual Tastes
Everyone’s sensitivity to spicy foods is a bit different. If you are very sensitive to heat, even Asiago’s mild spice may taste strong to you.
Is All Asiago Spicy?
It depends on individual tastes and preferences, but in general, Asiago should not be considered a spicy cheese. Here is a summary:
| Asiago Type | Spiciness Level |
|---|---|
| Fresh Asiago | Not spicy |
| Medium Asiago | Very mildly spicy |
| Aged Asiago | Mildly spicy but not hot |
The spiciness is quite subtle. When cooked, the spices tend to mellow out even more. Overall, Asiago has just a hint of peppery flavor, but should not taste hot or fiery.
Tips for Using Asiago Cheese
Here are some tips for enjoying Asiago cheese:
Try different ages
Taste mild fresh Asiago and more complex aged versions side-by-side. Find your favorite flavor profile.
Add to hot dishes
When melted into risottos, sauces, and baked pastas, the subtle spiciness blends into the other flavors.
Use in cooking
Cooking helps reduce Asiago’s sharpness. Use it for stuffings, gratins, frittatas, and more.
Grate as a topping
Grated Asiago can add a tasty accent to pizzas, salads, eggs, soups, and vegetables.
Pair with fruits and nuts
Try Asiago with fresh pears, figs, or toasted walnuts for contrasting flavors.
Select cheeseboard accents
On a cheeseboard, balance Asiago’s punch with jams, chutneys, dried fruits, and nuts.
Pairing Asiago Cheese with Other Foods and Drinks
Here are some delicious ways to serve Asiago cheese:
Breads and crackers
For cheese boards, pair with crusty bread, water crackers, or nut-based flatbreads.
Cured meats
Prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and speck are all excellent matches.
Fruit
Fresh and dried fruits like grapes, apples, pears, figs, dates, and apricots balance the spice.
Vegetables
Roasted veggies, grilled eggplant, or pickles work nicely.
Nuts and seeds
Toasted walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or pecans accent the nuttiness.
Honey
Mild honeys bring out the sweetness. Floral types like acacia are delicious.
Jams and chutneys
Cherry, fig, or apricot jams, chutneys, and fruit butters pair well.
Drinks
For wine, try lighter reds like Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, or Chianti. Beer, cider, and fruity cocktails also work.
Conclusion
While Asiago cheese has robust, complex flavor, it is not considered a spicy hot cheese. It has only a subtle peppery taste that complements other ingredients. Asiago works wonderfully in cooking, on cheese trays, in salads, and more. With a wide range of ages and textures available, it is a versatile cheese that most palates can enjoy.