Description

Pecorini Stagionati

Pecorini  Stagionati – The curd is derived from a particularly long coagulation process, 45-60 minutes, then is broken up with a wooden stick into lumps the size of grains of rice then bathed with boiling water in special cauldrons. Before being placed in reed baskets, peppercorns are added, then it is manually pressed to help separate it from the whey. At this point, the cheese in this shape is “scalded” for about 3 hours with the whey at 85° C. When scalding is finished, the baskets are placed on inclined shelves to help drain the residual whey. The cheeses now have definite shapes and are dry-salted and left to age for a minimum of 4 months. Pecorino al Pepe Calcagno has a hard and compact paste that is ivory white with peppercorns and reddish marbling. At the end of ageing, the rind is a brown colour with a very rough surface due to marks left by the basket. It is widely appreciated as a table cheese accompanied by bread and olives that enhance its bold flavour.