Because it does not include any yeast or rennet, this milk product originated in Italy should not be called “cheese”. In Brazil, ricotta became synonymous with low calorie food, suitable for weight loss diets, or to prepare fillings for pasta, savory pastries, and herbed spreads, served with toasts as an appetizer. Unlike the most commonly found versions of ricotta sold in Brazilian supermarkets, which are crumbly and dry, real ricotta is creamy, smooth and velvety.