
Lele1989, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese
Vastedda della Valle del Belice is a unique sheep's milk cheese from Sicily, distinctive because it is one of the few stretched-curd sheep cheeses. It is made from raw, whole milk and has a smooth, elastic texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This cheese is typically consumed fresh and is often savored simply with olive oil and black pepper.
Key Facts
Country of Origin | Italy |
Specific Origin | Districts of Agrigento, Trapani, Palermo in Sicily |
Protection | PDO (2007) |
Milk Type | Raw whole sheep’s milk |
Milk Treatment | Heated |
Rind | None (free from rind) |
Flavor | Lightly sourish but not spicy |
Colors | Ivory white |
Forms | Truncated conical, 6–7 inches diameter, 17–24 ounces weight |
Age | 12 to 48 hours ready for consumption |
Rennet Type | Lamb rennet |