Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from sheep, cow, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk whey left over from the production of other cheeses. However, modern ricotta is often made from milk instead
Ricotta salata is a firm, salted variety of ricotta.
Ricotta affumicata, a smoked variety from the Sila, in Calabria
Ricotta forte is a very soft variety from Apulia sold in jars.