Indulge in the exceptional Pecorino Romano cheese, renowned for its rich butterfat content and pasture-raised, skimmed sheep's milk base. This high-quality cheese is perfect for grating, making it the ultimate pasta companion.
As one of the oldest cheese varieties, Pecorino Romano enjoys a strong reputation not only in Italy but also around the world. Upheld by the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, Pecorino Romano is produced exclusively in Sardinia, Lazio, and the Tuscan Province of Grosseto, ensuring its exceptional quality and authenticity.
Crafted with Care
Pecorino Romano cheese is made using a traditional process that involves the following steps:
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Milk Selection: The process begins with selecting high-quality, pasture-raised sheep's milk, typically sourced from Sardinia, Lazio, or the Tuscan Province of Grosseto. The milk used for Pecorino Romano is usually skimmed to ensure a specific fat content.
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Coagulation: The milk is heated (pasteurized) to a specific temperature, and rennet is added. This causes the milk to coagulate and form curds.
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Curd Cutting and Draining: The curds are cut into small pieces to release the whey (liquid portion of the milk). The curds are then drained to separate them from the whey.
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Molding and Pressing: The drained curds are placed into molds, which give the cheese its distinctive shape. The molds are then pressed to remove any remaining whey and to compact the curds.
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Salting: The cheese is removed from the molds and salted, either by rubbing salt on the surface or by immersing the cheese in a saltwater brine. This step helps to preserve the cheese and develop its unique flavor.
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Aging: Pecorino Romano is aged for a minimum of five months, and sometimes up to a year or more, in temperature and humidity-controlled environments. During this time, the cheese develops its characteristic hard texture and sharp, tangy flavor.
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Quality Control: The finished cheese is inspected for quality and compliance with PDO regulations before being packaged and sold.
The final product is a delicious, hard cheese that is perfect for grating over pasta and adding a rich, savory flavor to various dishes.
