Ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese made from cow's whey left over from cheese production. Because casein is filtered out of the whey during the cheese making process, ricotta is suitable for people with casein intolerance. Being low in fat and rich in protein, ricotta is a dieter's dream cheese.
Ricotta is a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes such as lasagna, manicotti, cassate, cheesecake, calzone, pizza and ravioli and sauces.