What is Cacio Faenum? A Taste of Italy’s Countryside

Cacio Faenum is a hidden gem from the heart of Italy’s countryside. This artisanal cheese, whose name translates to ‘Hay Cheese’, is a celebration of rural tradition and culinary craftsmanship. Made from the milk of sheep who graze on lush, herb-filled pastures, Cacio Faenum is aged in hay, giving it a distinctive, earthy flavor profile that truly encapsulates a taste of Italy’s bucolic landscapes. Every bite is a journey through rolling meadows and rustic farmlands, making Cacio Faenum more than just a cheese, but a sensory experience of Italy’s rich rural heritage.

Quick Facts About Cacio Faenum

What is Cacio Faenum?

Cacio Faenum is a remarkable cheese that hails from the charming Italian town of Castellina. This dairy delight, produced by L’Antica Cascina, is a testament to the rich and diverse cheese-making traditions of Italy. Crafted from raw sheep’s milk, Cacio Faenum is not your run-of-the-mill cheese. What sets it apart is its unique maturation process, where it is lovingly cradled in hay during its ripening, akin to a culinary lullaby that imparts the cheese with its distinctive qualities.

This traditional, hard cheese undergoes a careful aging process, lasting anywhere from 45 to 60 days. During this time, the cheese absorbs the aromatic nuances of the hay, resulting in a complex flavor profile that is as intriguing as it is delicious. The result is a cheese that boasts a beautiful balance of taste and texture, making Cacio Faenum a sought-after addition to any gourmet cheese board.

With its 23.6 grams of protein per portion, Cacio Faenum is not only a treat to the senses but also a nutritious addition to your diet. Its enticing flavor makes it an excellent companion to a variety of dishes, as seen in recipes such as Cacio Faenum with Baked Apricot and Almond Purée.

In summary, Cacio Faenum is more than just a cheese; it’s a sensory journey into the heart of Italian gastronomy. Its unique production process and delightful flavor profile make it a true gem within the world of cheese.

Cacio Faenum Tasting Notes

• Texture: Cacio Faenum is a semi-hard cheese with a dense and slightly crumbly texture. It has a firm consistency that becomes more supple and creamy as it reaches room temperature.
• Color: The cheese exhibits a natural, straw-like hue which is a direct reflection of the hay in which it’s aged. The rind is typically darker, almost golden, contrasting beautifully with the paler interior.
• Aroma: A distinct yet subtle aroma is one of Cacio Faenum’s highlights. The scent is reminiscent of fresh hay, underpinned by mild notes of sheep’s milk and a hint of nuttiness.
• Flavor: The taste of Cacio Faenum is complex and layered. It starts off mildly sweet with a slight tang, then develops into a deeper, earthy flavor, reflecting its hay-aging process. It ends with a lingering, pleasantly salty finish.
• Aftertaste: The aftertaste of Cacio Faenum is long-lasting and memorable. It leaves a mild, sweet-savory note on the palate, encouraging another bite.
• Serving Suggestions: To fully appreciate its flavors, Cacio Faenum should be served at room temperature. It’s perfect for grating over pasta, slicing onto salads, or simply enjoying as part of a cheese platter.

What Pairs Well With Cacio Faenum?

Food pairings:

Also read: What Fruit Goes on a Charcuterie Board?

Drink pairings:

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

More Cheeses from Italy:

• Squacquerone di Romagna
• Quartirolo Lombardo 
• Casatella Trevigiana
• Burrata
• Strachitunt PDO
• Spressa delle Giudicarie PDO
• Trentingrana PDO