Published By: Ishani Karmakar

Why Is Casu Marzu The Most Dangerous Cheese In The World?

Are you a lover of wine and cheese? Cheese is a favourite food worldwide, with over 2000 varieties available. It's not difficult to see that Europe is known for making the best cheeses. But can you imagine enjoying a cheese made of squiggling maggots?

Casu Marzu is the most bizarre cheese ever! Casu Marzu, also known as the "rotten cheese", can be scary to read about. But it's equally terrifying in real life. It is also known as the "cheese which moves on its own". This is due to the presence of living fly larvae. These larvae are introduced voluntarily and help in the final fermentation of the cheese. Casu Marzu is almost magical because of this non-negotiable aspect. It has a unique creaminess and odour.

What is Casu Marzu? Casu Marzu is the most dangerous type of cheese in the world. It is infested by maggots. The cheese is made in Sardinia by traditional families and has been banned from being sold. This cheese is infested by a pest known as the cheese maggot. It is believed that the Maggots are kept alive for several months to give the cheese a creamy, cheesy texture.

How do you make Casu Marzu? This cheese is made with the fresh milk of a cow or sheep, though traditionally it was only made with sheep milk. The cheese cube is left open to allow Cheese Flies (cheese maggots) to hatch eggs. The crust is removed and the larvae are left behind. This gives the cheese its distinctive taste and texture over the next 3-4 months. The cheese is taken from the dark crafting area. It contains thousands of live maggots. Cheese aficionados say this cheese has a fresh, creamy texture and a wonderful smell.

What makes it illegal? Casu Marzu, the Maggot cheese, is a traditional type of cheese. Some localities still have the tradition of making this rarest form of cheese. However, Italy and the European Union prohibit the sale of this cheese. Health experts warn that Maggot Cheese can trigger allergic reactions, nausea and abdominal pain. It has been banned. This cheese is served at weddings and special events, however, because of its legacy.

Health concerns Some food scientists have raised concerns that the larvae may survive the stomach acid and remain in the intestine, leading to a condition called pseudomyiasis. The European Union has outlawed the cheese and fined those who violate the law and sell it.