Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is a cheese, while Pecorino 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 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Rind | Yes | — |
| Aging | 4 months | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Bergkäse 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese taste like Pecorino 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 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, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.