This is one cheese we definitely do not recommend.
Casu Marzu is Pecorino Sardo from Sardinia, Italy, that contains live maggots from cheese flies. Casu Marzu means "rotten cheese" in Sardinian. The acids in the maggots digestive system further break down the fats in the cheese, which makes the cheese soft.
Casu Marzu is eaten while the maggots are still living. Casu Marzu that contains dead maggots is considered toxic. The maggots of the cheese fly are resistant to human stomach acid, and some larvae pass through the digestive system alive.
Where to buy
Casu Marzu is illegal in Sardinia for health reasons, but you can still find it on the black market where it sells for double the price of Pecorino. Offenders face huge fines if caught.
We here at itscheese.com prefer our Pecorino without the maggots.
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Comments
Gary
10 July 2011 10:38 am
So whom shall I contact to enjoy this lovely, strong & maggot infested cheese? Sounds so cloak & dagger!
What is wrong with some additional protein?
R U folks really that dis-adventurous? Live life, don't judge food before you try it! Ignorance perpetrates bigotry.
Gary