Cardo Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Cardo Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Scotland and Wales, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cardo Cheese?
Cardo is a semi-soft artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It is crafted with a washed rind that contributes to its pungent aroma. The cheese has an ivory-colored interior with a creamy, smooth texture. Its flavor profile is a mix of floral, pungent, and savory notes, making it an interesting choice for those who enjoy bold cheeses. The cheese is enjoyed across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a taste that reflects the region's cheese-making tradition. Ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a selection of fruits, Cardo makes a flavorful addition to any cheese board.
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 Cardo Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Cardo Cheese (England, Scotland and Wales), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Cardo Cheese (goat's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Cardo Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cardo Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Scotland And Wales | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | — | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Floral, pungent, savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cardo Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cardo Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Cardo Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Cardo Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Cardo Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardo Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cardo Cheese originates in England, Scotland and Wales, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep.
Is Cardo Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cardo Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cardo Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cardo Cheese made of?
Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in England, Scotland and Wales.
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, Cardo Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cardo Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.