Aged Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.