Crescenza cheese, also known as Stracchino, is a type of Italian fresh cheese, typical of Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto.
 
The name 'Crescenza' is derived from the Italian word 'stracca', which means 'tired' in English. It is said that the cheese made from the milk of tired cows moving seasonally up and down the Alps, is rich in fats and more acidic in nature.
 
Crescenza is a very soft cheese with creamy, spreadable texture and no rind. It usually has a mild and delicate flavour.
 
This rich, fresh cheese is ideally eaten on its own or paired with fresh rocket salad and prosciutto. It is also used on pizzas, in risottos or baked in focaccia. As a part of the cheese board, Crescenza is usually served beside a selection of jams and honey.