What is Montasio DOP Stravecchio
Montasio DOP Stravecchio is a premium Italian hard cheese, produced exclusively with cow's milk. Its main characteristic is the long aging process, exceeding 18 months, which transforms it into a product with an extremely bold, aromatic, and pleasantly spicy flavor. The paste is compact and crumbly, with slight typical eyes, offering an intense tasting experience.
Origin and tradition
Recognized with the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) since 1996, Montasio has historical roots dating back to the Julian Alps. The production area is strictly delimited and includes the entire territory of Friuli Venezia Giulia and some provinces of eastern Veneto. This strong territorial bond guarantees compliance with the production rules and the authenticity of each wheel produced.
Culinary characteristics
Thanks to its long aging, Montasio Stravecchio develops an ideal consistency for grating or shaving into thin flakes. Unlike younger versions, it loses elasticity, acquiring a crumbliness that melts in the mouth, releasing roasted notes. During maturation, lactose is naturally broken down.
Usage in professional kitchens
In restaurant and gastronomy kitchens, this cheese is an ingredient of great character. It performs best when generously grated to cream risottos and enrich pasta dishes. Shaved into flakes, it enhances meat carpaccio and gourmet salads. Furthermore, it is the star ingredient for the traditional Friulian frico and brings prestige to any aged cheese board, accompanied by structured honey and jams.
Format and storage
The product is supplied in convenient quarter wheels of about 1.5 kg, vacuum-packed. This size is specifically designed for the needs of the Ho.Re.Ca. channel, as it guarantees maximum freshness until the moment of cutting, reducing waste compared to managing a whole wheel. It is recommended to store the product in the refrigerator at +4 °C. The rind is not edible.
