Casu Marzu

Casu marzu is a new discovery of mine. I say discovery, but it is more that I have become aware of its existence - you won't see it in Tesco, because even in the country of its origin it is illegal.

The cheese is made by introducing a particular kind of fly to a block of pecorino. The fly hatches its larvae into the cheese, who hatch, then start to munch their way through their new home. As they eat, they secrete a digestive enzyme and break down the cheese even further, giving a creamy, if wriggly texture.

Wikipedia explain more, in alarming detail, here. I myself am writing about casu marzu because now I know about it, I find it very difficult to forget. Share the cheese, share the pain.

Here, Antonio Carluccio tries it for himself. Yes - the cheese does squirm.