Canestrato di Moliterno

Canestrato di Moliterno is a type of cheese originating from the Basilicata region in southern Italy. It is a hard, sheep's milk cheese that is often used for grating. The cheese is named after the town of Moliterno, where it is primarily produced.

History

The production of Canestrato di Moliterno dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been first made by shepherds in the Basilicata region, who used the milk from their sheep to create a hard, durable cheese that could be stored for long periods. The cheese was traditionally made in baskets, which is where it gets its name - 'canestrato' means 'basket' in Italian.

Production

Canestrato di Moliterno is made from a mixture of sheep's milk and a small amount of goat's milk. The milk is heated and then curdled using rennet. The curds are then placed in a basket and pressed to remove the whey. The cheese is then aged for a minimum of 60 days, but can be aged for up to a year for a more intense flavor.

Characteristics

Canestrato di Moliterno has a hard, crumbly texture and a strong, slightly spicy flavor. It is often used as a grating cheese, similar to Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, but can also be eaten on its own. The cheese has a distinctive basket-weave pattern on the rind, which is a result of the traditional production method.

Recognition

In 1996, Canestrato di Moliterno was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union. This means that only cheese produced in the designated area using the traditional method can be called Canestrato di Moliterno.

See also

• List of Italian cheeses
• List of sheep milk cheeses