Castelo Branco Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

Castelo Branco Cheese is a semisoft to hard goat and sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Castelo Branco Cheese?

Castelo Branco is a soft Portuguese cheese made from goat or sheep milk and named after the city of Castelo Branco. It has carried a Protected Designation of Origin since 1996 and runs about 45% fat.

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 Castelo Branco Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?

• Origin: Castelo Branco Cheese (Portugal), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Castelo Branco Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Castelo Branco Cheese (Semisoft to hard), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
• Aging: Castelo Branco Cheese (At least 90 days (for hard)), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Castelo Branco Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Castelo Branco Cheese shows light yellow to orange, becomes spreadable at room temperature; small holes inside, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Castelo Branco Cheese at at least 90 days (for hard) develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Can You Substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

Castelo Branco Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semisoft to hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.

Which Is Better, Castelo Branco Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft to hard cheese, go with Castelo Branco Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Castelo Branco Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Castelo Branco Cheese originates in Portugal, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Castelo Branco Cheese is typically aged at least 90 days (for hard), Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Is Castelo Branco Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Castelo Branco Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Castelo Branco Cheese made of?

Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (raw), using artichoke thistle enzyme rennet. It's typically aged at least 90 days (for hard). It originates in Portugal.

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, Castelo Branco Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Castelo Branco Cheese is semisoft to hard, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.