Sardinia is a large Italian island in the Mediterranean sea with nearly 1,200 miles of coastline, sandy beaches, and a mountainous interior. It’s not, however, the landscape that makes the island famous. It’s where shepherds produce Casu Marzu, a cheese that’s considered the most dangerous cheese in the world. Cheese skipper flies lay their eggs in cracks that form in the cheese, usually Pecorino. Maggots hatch, making their way through the paste, digesting proteins in the process, and transforming the product into a soft creamy cheese. Then the cheesemonger cracks open the top – which is almost untouched by maggots – to scoop out a spoonful of the creamy delicacy. It’s not a moment for the fainthearted. At this point, the grubs inside begin to writhe frantically. Some locals spin the cheese through a centrifuge to merge the maggots with the cheese, while others like it au naturel — eating everything. If you're able to overcome the understandable disgust, Casu Marzu has a flavor that's intense, with a spicy with an aftertaste that lingers for hours. Some say it can be dangerous to human health, as maggots could survive the bite and wreak havoc in the intestines. So far, no such case has ever been linked to the cheese. While it's banned in most countries, you need a pretty hefty wallet should you find it for sale. Typically, it runs as much as $2,000 a pound, though those who sell it can be fined as much as $60,000 if caught.
