Castelmagno cheese

Castelmagno is an Italian cheese that originates in the Piedmont region and has protected designation of origin status in the European Union. It is a semi-hard, half-fat cheese made from whole cow's milk from Piedmontese cattle fed on fresh forage or hay from mixed meadows or pasture, and on occasion some sheep's or goat's milk may be added. It has traditionally been made in the Valle Grana in the southwest of the province of Cuneo, and production is permitted today within the boundaries of the municipalities of Castelmagno, Pradleves and Monterosso Grana. The earliest known mention dates to 1277, when it was given as payment to the Marquis of Saluzzo in exchange for the use of pasture lands. Besides being eaten on its own, it appears in fondue and veloutes and is served with rice, pasta, polenta, carpaccio or grilled vegetables.