this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2026
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Today I Learned

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The larvae of the cheese fly (Piophila casei) are deliberately introduced to pecorino cheese, where their digestive action produces an advanced level of fermentation, including a breakdown of the cheese's fats. The cheese's texture softens, and a liquid called làgrima ('teardrop') may seep out.

Source: Wikipedia.

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[–] szprot@sh.itjust.works 33 points 1 day ago

Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping.

I'm good, thanks.

[–] aeronmelon@lemmy.world 44 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] Tetsuo@jlai.lu 11 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Ah, you don't have your safety glasses?

[–] albbi@piefed.ca 1 points 1 day ago

Up and atom!

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 21 points 1 day ago (4 children)

I'm willing to try every food once, but my only hard requirement is that it really shouldn't feature multicellular life.

[–] SippyCup@lemmy.world 11 points 1 day ago (1 children)

My man has never tried Gagh and it shows

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'll take some plomeek soup thanks.

[–] SippyCup@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago
[–] jaek@aussie.zone 8 points 1 day ago (3 children)

What do you eat then? Spirulina? Yeast?

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I eat lots of dead multicellular organisms, and no living ones.

[–] Lexam@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 day ago

Nope, as long as I deny it, it's not true! Deciding your own reality is all the rage right now.

[–] harmbugler@piefed.social 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Mostly dead things, I presume.

[–] remon@ani.social 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

Somehow cheese with dead maggots in it doesn't sound much more appealing.

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago

Ehhhhh, I've had dead insects before. It wasn't great, but like I said, try everything once

[–] spittingimage@lemmy.world 0 points 23 hours ago (1 children)

Well, no. They say if the maggots are dead, the cheese isn't safe to eat.

[–] remon@ani.social 1 points 15 hours ago

Pretty sure that this only applies if they die on your own.

[–] jnod4@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Lmao, even zooplankton is multicellular, maybe he meant macroscopique Multicellular life? But then a steak is from a multicellular form of life

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I mean currently-living. I'm obviously fine with dead multicellular organisms.

[–] mcv@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 day ago

Aren't some uncooked vegetables still kinda alive when you eat them? Or yeasts?

[–] remon@ani.social 4 points 1 day ago

Quite the opposite for me, I pretty much only eat multicellular life. Just had a carrot.

[–] dream_weasel@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago

Not raw/live ones, no.

[–] prettybunnys@piefed.social 9 points 1 day ago

It is possible that the larvae could survive in the intestine, causing enteric pseudomyiasis,[2] which can manifest as nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal upset;[3] however, no cases have been linked to the cheese.[4] Additionally, these larvae can carry harmful microorganisms that may lead to infections. Due to these risks, Italian authorities have banned the sale of this cheese, deeming it dangerous. Consequently, it is also prohibited across the European Union, as EU food safety regulations mandate that only food safe for consumption can be sold.[2]

[–] abbadon420@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago

I see your maggot cheese and raise you "Cheese made with sheep poo juice"
https://charlieturnbull.com/texel-cheese/

[–] Lawnman23@lemmy.world 9 points 1 day ago