Pecorino Pepato

Pecorino is the general name given to any “brebis” (sheep) milk’s cheese made in Italy. Hence we find Pecorino Toscano, Romano, Siciliano and Pepato. These Pecorino Pepato cheeses are the grandfathers of the Italian cheese industry. Made by the shepherd’s from the their herds grazing in the arid lands where the olive trees grow.

Plines le Jeune mentioned this cheese in the first century. There is a story that Romulus made this cheese from goat’s milk, but the authentic pecorino is from “brebis” milk. The Pecorino Pepato is native to the town of Ragusa in Southern Italy. The Pecrino has black peppercorn incorporated in its pate (dough).