As many as 300 forage essences have been surveyed on the Gran Sasso pastures, compared to 20, 30 in the Alps. This exceptional variety and the dry climate of the higher altitudes have favored sheep breeding and transhumance from other regions over the centuries: from the Tavoliere of Puglia, the Agro Romano, the Maremma or Terra di Lavoro, in the Casertano area. The culture of transhumance and related dairy production belongs to the history of Abruzzo, but it is in the area of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park that the pastoral destination par excellence is located. Canestrato is produced year-round. The Presidium protocol stipulates a minimum maturing time of 2 months for 1-2 kg forms, 8 months for the 5 kg forms and 15 months for the traditional 15 kg forms.
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