Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is a hard goat and sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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What Is Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?
Canestrato di Moliterno is a hard cheese from Basilicata, Italy, made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It matures for at least sixty days and is eaten in slices or grated over food.
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 Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Milk type: Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (Goat's and sheep's milk), Pecorino Cheese (Sheep's milk)
- Aging: Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (Fresh, Primitivo (≤6 months), Stagionato (6–12 months), Extra (>12 months)), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Matera And Potenza, Basilicata | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Marked by canestri | — |
| Aging | Fresh, Primitivo (≤6 months), Stagionato (6–12 months), Extra (>12 months) | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
Taste Comparison: Does Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese shows sweet and delicate, evolving to complex aromas with age; can be treated with olive oil or soot-water mixture, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese at fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months) develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Canestrato di Moliterno 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 Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is typically aged fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months), Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese made of?
Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk. It's typically aged fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months). It originates in Italy.
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, Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.