Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga

History
Together with pecorino cheese, ricotta made with sheep or cow's milk has represented for decades the main foodstuff in the diet of the shepherds who exploited the most suitable areas for their breeding activities, often the most marginal ones. Especially for mature ricotta made with sheep's milk, there is a deep link with the transhumant shepherds' need to dry the products with natural methods in order to transport and preserve them easily. In some areas, it is still very difficult to sell fresh ricotta, which should be eaten on the same production day.