Caciocavallo Ragusano DOP is the great aged cheese of southeastern Sicily—a large, rectangular block of stretched-curd (pasta filata) cheese made from the raw milk of Modicana cattle, an indigenous Sicilian breed adapted over centuries to the harsh, sun-baked pastures of the Ragusa province. The name 'caciocavallo' (cheese on horseback) refers to the traditional method of tying pairs of cheeses together and hanging them over a horizontal pole (a cavallo, as if astride a horse) to age. The Ragusano version is distinctive for its rectangular shape (unlike the pear-shaped caciocavallo of mainland Southern Italy), its use of exclusively raw Modicana milk, and its extended aging that can reach 12 months or more. The production follows the ancient pasta filata method: raw milk is curdled, the curd is broken, heated, and acidified, then worked by hand in hot water until it becomes elastic and can be stretched into smooth, glossy sheets. These sheets are shaped into the characteristic rectangular blocks (each weighing 12-16 kg), bound with rope, and hung to age in natural caves or cellars. Young Ragusano (3-4 months) is mild, elastic, and slightly tangy; aged Ragusano (8-12 months) develops a granular, almost crystalline texture with sharp, spicy, complex flavours—herbaceous notes from the wild pastures, a piquant sharpness, and a lingering finish. The cheese is central to Ragusano cooking: young versions are sliced and eaten with bread; aged versions are grated over pasta (particularly pasta alla Norma, where it can substitute for ricotta salata); and the cheese is also grilled (caciocavallo all'argentiera—in the silversmith's style—fried in olive oil with vinegar and oregano). The DOP designation protects both the breed of cattle and the geographic production zone, ensuring that each wheel reflects the specific terroir of the Iblei highlands.
Made from raw Modicana cattle milk. Pasta filata technique with hand-stretching. Rectangular shape, hung to age. Young (3-4 months): mild, sliceable. Aged (8-12 months): sharp, granular, grateable. DOP-protected production.
Aged Ragusano grated over pasta alla Norma is an authentic alternative to ricotta salata. Try caciocavallo all'argentiera: thick slices fried in olive oil, deglazed with red wine vinegar, finished with oregano. The rind is excellent for flavouring soups and broths. Pair with Sicilian chestnut honey.
Confusing with generic mainland caciocavallo (different breed, different character). Serving aged version too cold. Grating young version (too soft—it's for slicing). Not allowing aged version to reach room temperature before tasting.
Slow Food Foundation; Mary Taylor Simeti, Sicilian Food