Marcetto

Derived from Pecorino, Marcetto goes beyond typical fermentation o a stage of decomposition, brought about by the digestive action of the larvae of the cheese fly Phiophila casei. 

Marcetto is the Lazio version of Casu marzu. In summer time is and was difficult to keep flies away from the cheese, so sometimes....the cheese fly is able to lay eggs into the rind of a fresh pecorino and after 10 days the maggots start eating the cheese. The maggots dig tunnels into the cheese literally eating and digesting the cheese itself. The cheese is becoming creamy and stronger tillis fully eaten. 

This cheese is illegal but we hope will be legalized shortly.

It is illegal mostly because in Italy is illegal to eat insects.

This cheese has been a staple in Sardinian culture. Though this cheese is hard to find, it is still eaten during special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.

Tasting notes

Well if you are brave enough it is a strong cheese that become more and more intense the more it is creamy and digested.