Taste of Italy
Cheese, charcuterie, pasta, gelato—what more could you want?
There’s so much to love about Italian cuisine, and so much to discover. Explore some of our favorite Italian and Italy-inspired products, along with recipes and tips to enjoy these items and more. There’s cheese, of course—from hand-wrapped mozzarella to the King of Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano. If you’re entertaining, our Italian charcuterie is a must. For quick and easy comfort foods, try our Deli’s stromboli or lasagna. And then there’s dessert (hello, gelato).
Authentically Italian. Incredibly Delicious.
In collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), we proudly promote a distinguished selection of products from Italy, bringing the essence of Italian excellence to our customers. We invite our customers to journey to the heart of Italy, where tradition and innovation come together to create culinary masterpieces. Read on to explore all the delicious ways you can bring a taste of Italy to your own kitchen.
The King of Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano has been crafted in the Parma Region of Italy for more than 800 years. Ours is single-sourced, meaning all the wheels come from the same dairy. During maturation, the cheese is regularly checked for quality and must meet the rigorous standards of the Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Consortium. The final product is nutty, savory, delicate and complex—a truly exceptional cheese.
Did you know:
- Parmigiano Reggiano is known worldwide as the “King of Italian Cheeses.”
- It takes approximately 150 gallons of high-quality milk to produce a 75 lb wheel.
- Each wheel is aged 12 months before it’s tested and granted the denomination “Parmigiano Reggiano.”
- At 18 months, the best wheels are selected to ensure the structure of the cheese is perfect.
- Those that pass the inspection are given a seal, and the wheels are left to carefully mature in Italy for a minimum of 24 months
How to serve it: We love baking this nutty, savory cheese into garnish-worthy crisps and adding it to an antipasto spread. Remember to keep the rind—it’ll add rich flavor to simmering soups, stocks and stews.
Parmigiano Reggiano Recipe Inspiration
There’s no limit to all the ways you can enjoy this savory, standout cheese. Here are a few of our favorite recipes to inspire your next meal or gathering.
Our Aperitivo Antipasto Board with Whipped Parmigiano Dip comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect choice for effortless entertaining and snacking. We also love incorporating this flavorful cheese into our Cacio e Pepe Ravioli with Scallops and Greens and classic Italian Wedding Soup.
Imported Charcuterie
If you’re hosting a gathering, charcuterie is a must. Our distinctive, high-end charcuterie is imported from Italy. Every bite is full of flavor, and the pairing opportunities are endless!
- The Fresh Market Prosciutto Italiano: Whole pork legs are hand-coated in Himalayan sea salt and slowly cured for 12 months. The result is a sweet, salty, nutty prosciutto with a delicate, buttery texture we can’t resist. Serve alongside Parmigiano Reggiano, Piave cheese or fresh melon and enjoy with Prosecco or Grenache.
- The Fresh Market Salame di Parma: Fresh pork is combined with salt, pepper and garlic, then slow-aged for 60 days for a mild-tasting salami that’s been pressed for a distinctive look. Serve with smoked provolone cheese and Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.
- The Fresh Market Calabrese Salame: Fresh pork is combined with paprika and Calabrian chili peppers, then slow-aged for 60 days for a smooth, spicy salame that pairs nicely with provolone cheese, Chianti or Pinot Gris.
- The Fresh Market Milano Salame: Fresh pork is combined with salt, pepper and garlic, then slow-aged for 60 days for a mild, smooth, classic salame. Pair with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir and serve on sandwiches or with your antipasto platter!
Crafted in Italy, Curated by The Fresh Market
We pride ourselves on bringing you authentic, unique items that make it easy to eat well and entertain deliciously. Discover our own Italian offerings, from creamy gelato to artisan pasta.
Gelato is one of our favorite Italian traditions. Ours is imported from Italy, so it’s truly authentic. Each small batch is slow-churned and quickly frozen to retain its creamy texture.
Our delicate filled pastas are imported from Italy and made with only the finest ingredients using traditional recipes. Try everything from classic Five Cheese to Basil Mascarpone and Mediterranean Eggplant.
Our authentic balsamic vinegar is made with grapes from Modena, Italy. From vine to bottle, this vinegar follows strict regulations to ensure the very best finished product.
This delicacy comes from a 150-year family enterprise. The bronze-die cut texture helps the pasta cook evenly and hold sauce. Unlike some commercial pasta producers that use high heat to speed up the drying process, our pasta is dried slowly at low temperatures for 36 hours. This creates a deliciously lush texture when cooked.
This delicate, unfiltered olive oil is crafted from olives grown on a 6th generation family farm in the mountainous terrain of Umbria. Each olive is hand-picked to avoid damaging the fruit, and cold pressed to make a mild, fruity olive oil. We recommend this oil for everyday use. Try it with salads or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Our mineral water comes from a natural spring enjoyed by Italians since ancient Roman times. In the Northern Appenine Mountains, melted snow and rainwater course deep underground where the water is filtered and purified through layers of rock. Through this natural process, the water picks up healthful minerals that may aid in digestion when enjoyed with a meal.
More Delicious Flavors Inspired by Italy
The journey doesn't stop with products from Italy. Discover a delicious assortment of Italian-inspired dishes, desserts, and recipes that celebrate the flavors and traditions of one of the world's most beloved cuisines.
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is sweeter, creamier and all-around delicious. We offer a range of options including different shapes and sizes. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy each variety:
- Mozzarella Log: This is a larger version of our mozzarella ball that’s conveniently pre-sliced. Layer with fresh basil and tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic and top with a pinch of sea salt for the ultimate caprese salad.
- Mozzarella Ball: Our mozzarella ball is hand-wrapped and made fresh in-store weekly. Try tearing into strips and using it to top pizzas. You can also cube it and toss with pasta, or slice and serve with your antipasto favorites.
- Burrata: Burrata is made from mozzarella but filled with soft cream, giving it a richer texture. Its name means “butter” in Italian, and it works beautifully in place of fresh mozzarella, especially in our Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad.
- Fresh Ciliegine Mozzarella: These cherry-sized mozzarella balls are perfect for tucking into mushroom caps or folding into pastas.
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: These petite mozzarella pearls are ideal for any finger food dish. Try skewering them on toothpicks with a cherry tomato and drizzle of balsamic glaze. We also love using them in our recipe for Grilled Portabella Mushroom Caprese.
Comfort Food Favorites
If you’re craving comfort food, look no further. These prepared Italian favorites are delicious, authentic and perfect for easy weeknight meals. Find them in our Deli.
Enjoy a hearty Italian classic with our Chicken Parmesan ready-to-bake meal. Crispy breaded chicken is layered with savory marinara and mozzarella cheese, paired with pasta for a quick, delicious meal.
Our ready-to-bake, all natural lasagna features balanced, savory fillings made from premium ingredients, as well as layers of tender egg noodles crafted from a traditional Italian family recipe.
Crispy breaded eggplant layered with authentic marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Served with perfectly cooked pasta for a classic Italian meal that's ready to bake and enjoy at home.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy with our Manicotti ready-to-bake meal. Delicate pasta shells are filled with a savory cheese blend, covered in zesty marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella cheese for a hearty, oven-ready meal.
Sweet Italian Indulgences
These popular baked goods showcase some of Italy’s sweetest traditions. Serve them at the end of an Italian feast or bring them to a party or gathering. They’re sure to impress!
Crisp on the outside, smooth and creamy on the inside, and oh-so delicious—you can’t go wrong with classic Cannoli. Crafted using a century-old family recipe, our cannoli are hand-filled in store. Choose between small or large sizes and original or chocolate flavors.
If cake is on the menu, we offer two Italian favorites. Rich and indulgent, our Ricotta Cheesecake features a creamy ricotta cheese filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, delivering a smooth, satisfying dessert in every bite. We also have Tiramisu Bar Cake featuring classic sponge cake, creamy mascarpone, buttercream icing and espresso.
Think Deliciously
Whatever you’re preparing, or preparing for, we can help you make it great.
