Brocciu

Brocciu is a Corsican cheese produced from a combination of milk and whey, giving it some of the characteristics of whey cheese; it is produced from ewe's milk. It is notable as a substitute for lactose-rich Italian Ricotta, as brocciu contains less lactose.[1]

Brocciu
Country of originFrance
Region, townCorsica
Source of milkSheep/Goat
TextureFresh/Soft
Aging timeMax. 1 month, usually none
CertificationFrench AOC 1983
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Produced on the island of Corsica, brocciu is considered the island's most representative food. Like ricotta, it is a young white cheese and is paired frequently with Corsican white wines.

The word brocciu is related to the French word brousse and means fresh cheese made with goat or ewe's milk.

Brocciu is made from whey and milk. First, the whey is heated to a low temperature of just a few degrees below 100 °F (38 °C) and then ewe's milk is added and further heated to just a bit below 200 °F (93 °C). After heating, the cheese is drained in rush baskets.

The cheese is ready for consumption immediately, although it may be ripened for a few weeks (Corsican: brocciu passu or brocciu vechju); the ideal affinage time for brocciu is 48 hours to one month.[2]

In Corsican cuisine, it is used in the preparation of innumerable dishes, from first courses to desserts.[3]

Notes

References

  • Schapira, Christiane (1994). La bonne cuisine corse (in French). Paris: Solar. ISBN 2263001778.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Juliet Harbutt, World Cheese Book, p. 43.
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