Ricotta forte (lit. 'strong ricotta') is a very traditional soft cheese of Basilicata and Apulia, in southeastern Italy. It is creamy, spicy and slightly bitter.^[1]

Ricotta forte
Other names	Ricotta 'scante, scanta, ascuante, squant (from the Latin ustulo which means to burn due to its taste)
Country of origin	Italy
Region	Basilicata Apulia
Texture	Soft
Certification	PAT

Its preparation is similar to the Greek cheese called "kopanisti":^[2] the milk is fermented by bacteria and yeast which contribute to the spicy taste and to the very intense aroma. The aroma is similar to the long-seasoned pecorino.

This cheese is typically used on pasta to make the tomato sauce tastier or on the bread with anchovies or in the traditional fried panzerotti.^[3]

It has been recognised by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies as a Lucanian and Apulian traditional food product (PAT).