Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is a cheese, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse is a German raw milk mountain cheese with a protected designation of origin. Loaves weigh 15 to 50 kg, ripen at least four months, and taste mild, aromatic and nutty, with more punch as the cheese ages.
What Is Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.
What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?
- Rind: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Yes), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black)
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), Pecorino Romano Cheese (5–8 months or longer)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Rind | Yes | Pale yellow to brown or black |
| Aging | 4 months | 5–8 months or longer |
| Taste | — | Sharp, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Romano Cheese at 5–8 months or longer.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Romano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Pecorino Romano 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, Pecorino Romano Cheese 5–8 months or longer.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is made from milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months.
What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.