Division 4.2 Description

‘Pecorino Romano’ PDO is a hard, cooked cheese produced exclusively from fresh full-fat sheep’s milk obtained from sheep bred in the area stated in paragraph 4(3). When it is marketed for human consumption it is cylindrical in shape with flat sides and the diameter of its flat sides is between 25 and 35 cm. Its weight varies from 20 to 35 kg, according to the size of the cheese wheel. The crust is fine, and ivory or natural straw in colour, and is sometimes covered with special protective covers. The rind has a compact or slightly open structure; when cut it is of a colour varying between white and a more or less intense straw colour. The taste is aromatic and slightly spicy for the table cheese, and spicy, intense and pleasant at the advanced stage of maturing for the grating cheese. ‘Pecorino Romano’ has a characteristic aroma. Fat content of the dry matter: not less than 36 %.