Bright white, basket-textured, and bursting with fresh, milky flavor, Primo Sale may be one of Sicily’s simplest cheeses, but that’s exactly where its charm lies. There’s no complex rind, no long aging process, no need for bells and whistles. What you get instead is clean, honest flavor and a soft, satisfying bite that speaks to the heart of Sicilian cheesemaking tradition.
What Is Primo Sale?
The name says it all. Primo Sale means “first salt” in Italian, referring to the cheese’s early stage of maturation and the initial salting it undergoes after before a short time aging.
Made from pasteurized sheep’s milk, Primo Sale is known for its firm, sliceable texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor with grassy, earthy undertones. Inside, you’ll notice small, irregular holes (called “eyes”) formed naturally during aging. On the outside, each wheel bears a ridged, rustic exterior, thanks to the traditional basket molds used during shaping, making it a standout on cheese counters and boards alike.
Production Process
Behind every wheel of Primo Sale is a process that’s both time-honored and finely tuned. Here’s a look at how this cheese comes to life:
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Milk Collection & Prep
Fresh sheep’s milk arrives from local farms in refrigerated tanks and is tested for temperature, acidity, and more quality criteria. Once approved, the milk is filtered and gently pasteurized at 72°C.
2. Curd Formation
Enzymes and rennet are added to initiate curdling. At this stage, you might also find unique ingredients like black pepper introduced to certain batches. The curds are stirred gently at 36–38°C, then cut down to the ideal size and texture.
3. Molding & First Rest
The curds are transferred into basket molds ranging from 500g to 12kg. This is when flavor additions like pistachios and olives are folded in. Next comes a warm, humid resting phase (at around 40–45°C) that helps the cheese firm up, develop its signature texture, and reach the desired pH (under 5.3).
Wheels are flipped regularly to ensure even shape and proper drainage.
4. Salting & Drying
Once the wheels are fully formed, they’re submerged in brine for their “first salt.” This enhances flavor and kickstarts preservation. After brining, the wheels are dried in carefully controlled rooms, with flavored varieties stored separately to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Cutting, Packaging & Shipping
Wheels may be portioned into 150g or 200g slices, vacuum-sealed in food-safe film, and scanned through metal detectors for safety. All products are kept at 4°C to lock in freshness from facility to store.
Different Varieties
While Primo Sale is delightful on its own, it truly shines when paired with bold regional ingredients. Popular varieties include:
- Primo Sale with Pistachio – Studded with vibrant green pistachios that bring an occasional crunch to each slice.
- Primo Sale with Truffle– Earthy truffle shavings folded into the cheese lend it a rich umami flavor.
- Primo Sale with Red Pepper – Spicy red peppers bring heat and color, perfectly balanced by the cheese’s sweet milky flavor.
- Primo Sale with Black Pepper – Here, spicy peppercorns are folded into the curds for an added kick of flavor and color.
- Primo Sale with Olives, Arugula & Red Peppers – Also known as Primo Sale Fantasia or Tricolor – our best selling flavor!
- Primo Sale with Pesto – Bright, fragrant, and herbaceous, this version bursts with the fresh aroma and savory depth of classic basil pesto.
Each variety is carefully crafted, with ingredients added at just the right moment to preserve both flavor and food safety.
How to Enjoy Primo Sale
Mild, firm, and beautifully balanced, Primo Sale is made for versatility. Whether you’re a home cook or a chef, it fits easily into your kitchen rotation.
Serve it:
- Thinly sliced on an antipasto board
- Cubed over salads or grain bowls
- Melted into frittatas, sandwiches, or baked pasta
- With crusty bread, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a classic Sicilian pairing
Pair it:
- With a crisp white wine like Vermentino or Grillo
- Or a fruit-forward red like Frappato
Whether it’s the first bite on a tasting board or the secret ingredient to your next panini, Primo Sale makes an impression. It’s subtle yet memorable. With a 12-month shelf life and a range of sizes and flavors, it’s a flexible option for both retail and foodservice. Add to that its visual appeal, clean flavor, and rich cultural roots and you’ve got a cheese that practically sells itself.
