Canestrato of Moliterno
Canestrato di Moliterno is one of the most renowned and characteristic cheeses of the Agri Valley and the surrounding region in Basilicata, Italy. This cheese has deep roots in the local dairy tradition and is an authentic expression of the area’s food and wine culture.
Here are some key details about Canestrato di Moliterno:
Artisanal production: Canestrato di Moliterno is made mainly in an artisanal way, using methods handed down from generation to generation. This artisanal approach helps to preserve the traditional characteristics and quality of the cheese.
Characteristic shape: The name “Canestrato” comes from the cheese’s aging technique. During the aging period, the cheese is placed inside woven wicker baskets (called “canestri” in Italian), which leave a pattern imprinted on the surface of the cheese. This characteristic makes Canestrato di Moliterno easily recognizable.
Raw materials: The cheese is made from sheep’s milk, an abundant resource in the area. Sheep’s milk gives Canestrato a rich and complex flavor, enriched by the grasses and grazing of local pastures. Milk processing takes on a special connotation because of the pressing of the curds made by hand inside baskets-locally called fuscelle (hence the appellation canestrato)-until they are compacted.
Aging: Canestrato di Moliterno is generally aged for a variable period, from a few months to a year or more. During aging, the cheese develops an intense and complex flavor, with earthy and sometimes spicy notes. Depending on the seasoning, it is distinguished into: primitive if the seasoning does not exceed 6 months; mature if the seasoning does not exceed 12 months; and extra if the seasoning exceeds one year.
Uniform hard paste, it is straw yellow in color (summer production), with a spicy, strong and aromatic flavor. It comes in a cylindrical shape and weighs between 2 and 3 kilograms, and the maturing process lasts about eight months. The milk for production must come from the municipalities (all in Lucania) specifically mentioned in the specification.
Culinary Uses: Canestrato di Moliterno is versatile in cooking and can be eaten alone, accompanied by bread or dried fruit, or used as an ingredient in various dishes. It is often grated over pasta, soups and traditional local dishes.
Protection: Canestrato di Moliterno has been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO ) status under European regulations. This quality mark protects the specificity of the cheese and guarantees its authenticity linked to the production area.
Canestrato di Moliterno is a symbol of the culinary identity of the Agri Valley and represents the commitment of local producers to keeping food traditions alive and creating high-quality products.
