If you close your eyes and think back to your nanna’s kitchen or even your own — there’s a good chance you can almost smell it. That sharp, salty aroma of black peppercorns in Pepato, known locally as ġobon tal-bżar, being added to simple recipes or laid out on traditional platters.
It’s one of those flavours that instantly feels like home.
What is Pepato/ Ġobon tal-Bżar?
This Italian-style cheese is crafted from fresh pasteurised cow’s milk and matured for at least four months to achieve its signature firm texture.
Fior di Vita Pepato stays true to what people love about traditional ġobon tal-bżar. You’ll notice it straight away — salty, slightly tangy with a hint of citrus and finished with that gentle heat from whole black peppercorns.
Three Easy Ways to Enjoy It
Fior di Vita Pepato comes in 3 different formats:
- Australian Pepato Cheese Wheel – great for platters and sharing
- Pepato Block / Loaf – ideal for slicing, grating or cooking
- Pre-packed Pepato Slices – quick, easy and ready for everyday use
Get Creative with Pepato
Most people know it on a cracker or galletta and yes, it’s still a classic. But there’s a lot more you can do with it.
Simple favourites:
- Sliced in a fresh Maltese ftira or sandwich
- Served on a platter with olives, tomatoes, bigilla and galletti
- Melted into toasties for an extra kick
Try something different:
- Grate it over pasta or risotto instead of parmesan. It adds a rustic, peppery soul to the dish.
- Shave it into salads or over fresh beans
- Melt it into eggs for a bold breakfast
- Use it in burgers for a subtle peppery heat
A Familiar Taste, Made Convenient
Pepato has always been a cheese people come back to and now it’s easier than ever to enjoy.
You can find Fior di Vita Pepato pre-packed in supermarkets or simply ask for it by name at your favourite deli counter.
It’s the taste of ġobon tal-bżar you remember — just made to fit today’s way of living.
