La Golosa di Puglia Smoked Scamorza

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Smoked Scamorza begins with a quiet, milky sweetness that speaks clearly of fresh cow’s milk, before unfolding into layers of warmth and smoke. The wood-smoking process is restrained rather than aggressive, allowing the dairy character to remain present while introducing notes reminiscent of toasted hay, embers, and lightly browned butter. The texture is elastic yet yielding, firmer than mozzarella but softer than provolone, making it deeply satisfying to cut, tear, or melt.

On the palate, the initial creaminess gives way to a gentle salinity and a lingering smokiness that settles rather than shouts. When eaten fresh, it offers a balanced interplay between lactic softness and savory depth. When heated, the cheese transforms completely—stretching beautifully, releasing a richer aroma, and developing a more pronounced umami quality. The smoke intensifies just enough to add complexity, never overpowering the dish it joins. This is a cheese that adapts effortlessly, equally at home on a cheeseboard or folded into warm, rustic cooking.

Pairings and Suggestions

Smoked Scamorza is prized in Italian kitchens for its adaptability and depth. It shines when heat is involved, but holds its own when served simply.

Grilled or Pan-Seared: Slice thickly and grill until lightly blistered, finished with olive oil and cracked pepper

Pasta & Risotto: Melt into baked pasta, lasagna, or risotto for a smoky, creamy finish

Pizza & Flatbreads: A natural alternative to mozzarella when you want added character

Vegetables: Pair with roasted eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, or butternut squash

Charcuterie: Serve with cured meats, olives, honey, or crusty bread

Wine-wise, it pairs beautifully with crisp whites, light-bodied reds, or anything with enough acidity to cut through its richness.

This cheese is frozen. For slicing or cheeseboards, allow the cheese to rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. For cooking, it can be used straight from the fridge—ideal for melting, grilling, or baking.

Smoke from the South

In Southern Italy, smoking cheese was never about excess—it was about preservation, practicality, and quiet flavor-building. Scamorza affumicata reflects this philosophy perfectly. Traditionally hung to dry and smoke, its distinctive pear-like shape and tawny exterior signal patience and restraint. In Puglia, this cheese bridges countryside simplicity and culinary finesse, appearing both in everyday meals and celebratory dishes. The smoke is not meant to dominate, but to linger—like memory, like warmth after a fire has gone low. It is food that feels grounded, familiar, and deeply comforting.

Storage Instructions

This product is delivered frozen to maintain optimal quality.

To Thaw:

• Transfer the cheese from freezer to refrigerator
• Allow to thaw slowly for 12–24 hours
• Once thawed, do not refreeze

After Thawing:

• Keep refrigerated between 2–4°C
• Wrap tightly in parchment or wax paper, then store in an airtight container
• Best consumed within 5–7 days after thawing