Beaufort Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Beaufort Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
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 Beaufort Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Even yellow color | — |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Strong | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Beaufort Cheese made of?
Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.
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, Beaufort Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.