Pecorino Romano DOP and iGreen Gadgets: a pair of excellences

Pecorino Romano PDO: In Europe, There’s a Naturally Good and Authentic Cheese

Our country is the homeland of excellence: cultural, artistic, and…gastronomic! There are many products for which we are recognized in Europe and around the world, and our goal is to protect and enhance them. This is why the Consortium for the Protection of Pecorino Romano PDO, co-financed by the European Union, has launched a project targeting the Italian and German markets to strengthen the recognition of European agri-food products with the PDO label.
The goal is to raise awareness about cheese PDOs, particularly regarding a European excellence like Pecorino Romano PDO.

History and Fun Facts About Pecorino Romano PDO

In Europe, there’s a naturally good and authentic cheese, one with a thousand-year-old tradition. Pecorino Romano PDO has one of the oldest origins in the world. Even the ancient Romans appreciated it, considering it the ideal seasoning for imperial palace banquets. Its long shelf life made it perfect for Roman legions during their travels. Soldiers received a daily ration of 27 grams, consumed with bread and spelt soup. This cheese, in addition to being easily digestible, provided strength and energy to weary legionnaires, acting as a real boost of vitality.

Characteristics

Pecorino Romano is a hard, cooked cheese made from whole fresh sheep’s milk, exclusively sourced from farms within the production area. Its flavor is aromatic and unmistakable, slightly spicy and savory.
A wheel of Pecorino Romano PDO varies in height from 25 to 40 centimeters and can weigh up to 35 kilos. Each wheel is marked with the certification seal and aged for at least 5 or 8 months, depending on whether it is intended for table use or grating. This Italian gastronomic excellence is produced in Lazio, Sardinia, and the province of Grosseto, crafted by skilled cheesemakers and salters who bring centuries of experience to their work.
A high-quality product that is naturally lactose-free and worthy of the PDO certification.

The PDO Label

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a certification that safeguards and guarantees the quality of foods with specific qualitative characteristics linked to their place of production. This label is granted by the European Union after a rigorous series of inspections conducted by an independent control body. The combination of geographical environment and human expertise creates a synergy that results in a unique product that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Pecorino Romano received its PDO certification in 1996, when the European Community (now the European Union) regulation came into effect. However, its geographical indication had already been recognized in 1951 with the Stresa Convention.

A Sustainable Project

The production chain of Pecorino Romano spans Sardinia, Lazio, and the Province of Grosseto, with companies deeply rooted in the socioeconomic and environmental context, ensuring adherence to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
These objectives include protecting biodiversity, safeguarding inland waters, increasing water efficiency, and preserving landscapes and cultural heritage. The Protection Consortium has embarked on a journey toward sustainability, enhancing and promoting the quality of Pecorino Romano in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal.
A key example of this commitment is the SheepToShip LIFE project, which aims to reduce climate-altering emissions by 20%. Additionally, the Consortium has been a partner in LIFE MAGIS, a green label that certifies a company’s ability to produce with minimal environmental impact.

A fully sustainable project, which naturally extends to the choice of eco-friendly promotional items. That’s why, with the help of iGreen Gadgets, plantable journals were created,
along with the well-known Pencils with Seeds.