Asiago with Fig
Asiago with Fig is a semi-hard Italian cheese blended with dried figs, creating a sophisticated fusion of nutty, aged cheese with sweet, fruity notes. This artisanal cheese combines the traditional aging methods of Veneto's prized Asiago with the delicate sweetness of Adriatic figs, resulting in a versatile ingredient for both cheeseboarding and culinary applications. The integration of figs softens the intensity of aged Asiago while adding complexity and visual appeal. This product represents modern Italian cheesemaking that honors traditional techniques while embracing creative flavor innovation.
Flavor Profile
Deep, toasted hazelnut and almond undertones characteristic of aged Asiago, balanced by sweetness
Honeyed, jammy notes from dried figs with subtle caramel undertones
Subtle mineral and earthy backbone from the cheese's aging process and fig fruit tannins
Smooth, velvety texture that melts on the palate with buttery warmth
Mild acidic finish typical of aged Italian cheese, cutting through richness
Seasonality
Year-round availability; best enjoyed autumn through spring when figs are dried and aged cheeses are most complex
Available year-round as both fresh and aged versions; production peaks in fall and winter months
Best Months
Culinary Uses
Available Forms
Key Techniques
- Served at room temperature on cheese boards
- Melted over warm polenta or risotto
- Incorporated into baked pasta dishes
- Toasted under broiler as a starter
- Paired with aged balsamic vinegar and fresh figs for a composed cheese course
- Grated over winter salads with pears and walnuts
- Melted into creamy pasta sauces
Classic Dishes
Flavor Pairings
Perfect Pairings
The salty, savory cured meat cuts through richness while enhancing the sweet-savory dynamic of this cheese
Fresh pears echo the fruit elements of the figs while their subtle sweetness and crisp texture balance the cheese's richness
The toasted, earthy notes of walnuts harmonize with Asiago's nutty profile while adding textural contrast
Drizzled honey amplifies the subtle sweetness already present from the figs, creating indulgent complexity
Both share deep, complex sweetness and acidity; balsamic's molasses notes complement the fig-cheese fusion perfectly
Good Pairings
A sharper, more aged cheese that provides textural and flavor contrast on a mixed cheese board
The fruit and nuts in bread echo the cheese's components, creating a harmonious pairing
Essential vehicles for cheese consumption; the bread's slight bitterness and texture balance the cheese's richness
Fresh figs complement the dried fig notes already in the cheese, reinforcing and expanding the flavor theme
Essential vehicles for cheese consumption; the bread's slight bitterness and texture balance the cheese's richness
Storage & Handling
Method
Refrigerate in original packaging or wrapped tightly in parchment paper within a sealed container
Duration
3-4 weeks when properly stored
Pro Tips
- Store in the warmest part of the refrigerator (near the door) rather than the coldest section to preserve flavor complexity
- Keep wrapped in parchment (not plastic) to allow the cheese to breathe and prevent moisture accumulation
- Separate from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination
- Allow cheese to come to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor development
- If mold appears on the surface, it is safe to cut away and discard; the remaining cheese is fine
Origin & Heritage
History
Asiago cheese originates from the Asiago plateau in the Veneto region, with documented production dating back to the 10th century. The addition of figs to Asiago is a contemporary innovation developed in the late 20th century by forward-thinking Italian cheesemakers seeking to create distinctive, premium products for international markets. Fig cultivation has flourished in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean for millennia, making this pairing a natural fusion of two deeply rooted Italian traditions. This flavored variant gained prominence in the 1990s and 2000s as artisanal cheese production expanded.
Cultural Significance
In Italian gastronomy, fruit-infused cheeses represent a bridge between traditional cheesemaking and modern culinary creativity, reflecting Italy's ability to honor heritage while embracing innovation. Asiago with Fig exemplifies the aperitivo culture of Northern Italy, where such cheeses are showcased on antipasto boards alongside wines and cured meats. The combination reflects the Italian philosophy of pairing complementary flavors—dolce (sweet) and salato (savory)—that characterizes much of the region's finest cuisine.
The Science
Understanding the key chemical compounds helps explain why asiago with fig pairs well with certain ingredients.
Naturally occurring compounds that develop during aging, creating the creamy, buttery sensation and subtle fruity undertones that blend seamlessly with the fig additions
Antioxidant compounds from dried figs that provide subtle astringency and contribute to the cheese's earthy, slightly tannin-forward finish
Compounds created during the drying of figs that contribute toasted, caramel, and honey-like aromatic notes
Including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which provide the rich, mouthfeel and contribute to the cheese's smooth melting characteristics
Developed through the aging process, these create savory depth that anchors the sweet fig notes and prevents the cheese from tasting one-dimensional
Quick Tips
TL;DR for Asiago with Fig
Best For
Asiago e Fico Cheese Course, Risotto ai Formaggi con Fico
Top Pairing
Prosciutto di Parma
Pro Tip
Served at room temperature on cheese boards
Storage
3-4 weeks when properly stored fresh · Up to 3-4 months in the freezer frozen
Nutrition
Per 100g
Health Benefits
- High in protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance
- Contains probiotics and beneficial bacteria from aging process that support digestive health
- Rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to improved body composition
- Provides essential amino acids in complete protein form, ideal for tissue repair
Buying Guide
Price Range: $$$
Look For
- Uniform color ranging from pale cream to golden-tan without gray or brown spots on the cheese surface (spotting in fig inclusions is normal)
- Firm, dense texture that resists gentle pressure without feeling hard or chalky
- Clear visibility of fig pieces distributed throughout; no clumping or separation visible
- Aroma should be pleasantly nutty with subtle fruity sweetness, not sharp or ammonia-like
Avoid
- Visible mold (any color except the natural white crystals that indicate proper aging), dark patches, or unusual discoloration
- Soft, mushy texture or excessive sweating (visible moisture beading on surface)
- Strong ammonia or foul smell indicating spoilage or improper storage
- Dried-out, cracked edges or an overly hard, brittle texture
Where to Find
- Specialty cheese shops and fromageries with Italian product expertise, Italian delis and importers in major cities, High-end grocery stores with dedicated cheese counters (Whole Foods, etc.), Direct purchase from Italian cheese distributors online (recommended for artisanal varieties), European food markets and Italian markets in urban areas, Upscale wine and cheese pairing retailers
Did You Know?
- 1.Asiago cheese has such an ancient pedigree that monks in medieval Venetian monasteries documented its production in the 10th century, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously produced cheeses
- 2.The Asiago plateau sits at 1,000 meters elevation, where the Alpine climate and unique pasture grasses contribute distinctive mineral notes to milk used in cheese production
- 3.A wheel of traditional Asiago d'Allevo (aged) can weigh 12-16 kilograms and requires 10-12 liters of milk to produce, making flavored varieties with figs a more economical artisanal offering
- 4.Figs were so valued in ancient Mediterranean culture that Romans used them as currency and offered them as tribute to powerful leaders; their pairing with cheese represents a modern luxury echo of this historical prestige
- 5.The natural yeasts and bacteria in aged Asiago cheese create crystalline calcium lactate deposits (those white dots) that are prized by cheese connoisseurs as a sign of authentic aging
Plating Guidance
Explore all techniques →Vessel
Temperature-appropriate plates - chilled for cold dairy
Color Palette
White and cream tones, contrast with colorful accompaniments
Arrangements
Garnish Ideas