Discover the Controversy and Delicacy of Casu Marzu: The Illegal Sardinian Cheese Infested with Maggots

2 min readJan 25, 2023

“Uncover the traditional Sardinian cheese-making process and why it’s banned in many countries”

“A traditional Sardinian Casu Marzu cheese, with visible maggots, on a wooden board”

Introduction

Casu Marzu, also known as “maggoty cheese” or “rotten cheese”, is a traditional Sardinian delicacy made from sheep’s milk. This unique cheese-making process involves the introduction of cheese flies, which lay their eggs in the cheese. The eggs hatch into maggots, which proceed to eat and ferment the cheese, resulting in a strong, pungent flavor and a soft, creamy texture.

The Making of Casu Marzu

The process of making Casu Marzu starts with sheep’s milk, which is left to curdle for a few days. The curds are then placed in a container and left in a warm room for several months, during which time cheese flies are introduced. The flies lay their eggs in the cheese, which hatch into maggots. The maggots proceed to eat and ferment the cheese, giving it a strong, pungent flavor and a soft, creamy texture.

Health and Safety Concerns

Casu Marzu may pose potential health and safety risks, as the maggots present in the cheese may cause digestive issues if they are not killed by the heat of cooking. Additionally, the sale of Casu Marzu is illegal in many countries due to safety concerns.

Serving and Eating Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu is traditionally served with a glass of Sardinian red wine, and eaten as a table cheese. It can be spread on bread or eaten with crackers. It’s important to handle the cheese with care, as the maggots can be disturbed and jump out of the cheese.

Conclusion

Casu Marzu, also known as “maggoty cheese” or “rotten cheese” is a unique and traditional Sardinian delicacy with a strong, pungent flavor and a soft, creamy texture. While it may pose potential health and safety risks, it is an important part of Sardinian culture and considered a rare delicacy. If you have the opportunity to try Casu Marzu, be aware of the risks involved, but it is worth a taste. Keep in mind that the sale of this type of cheese is illegal in many countries, so avoid purchasing it.