Caciocavallo

/ˌkɑːtʃoʊˈkɑːvəloʊ/ noun

Definition

A type of stretched-curd Italian cheese shaped like a round or pear-like form, traditionally hung in pairs.

Etymology

From Italian cacio (cheese, from Latin caseus) + cavallo (horse). The name refers to the historic practice of hanging paired cheese wheels astride a pole like saddlebags on a horse.

Kelly Says

The name literally means 'cheese horse'—it's a beautiful example of how food gets its name from its preparation method rather than ingredients. Medieval cheesemakers looked at their hanging pairs and saw horses!

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