Cheddar Cheese vs Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is compact and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Pecorino di Picinisco is produced in the Lazio and Abruzzo regions of Italy. This cheese is made from the milk of sheep that graze on the rich, diverse pastures of the area, giving it a distinctive, aromatic flavor. It has a semi-hard texture and is typically aged for a minimum of four months.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Ewe's milk, optional goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Compact)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Straw-colored, thin, rough)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Lamb or kid rennet paste)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Comino Valley, Frosinone |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Ewe's milk, optional goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Compact |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Straw-colored, thin, rough |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Lamb or kid rennet paste |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato |
| Where to Buy | Shop on Amazon | Shop on Amazon |
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Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese brings mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese leans toward mountain pasture aroma. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese at lamb or kid rennet paste.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for compact. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese brings mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a compact profile, Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese fits dishes calling for mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese comes from Italy. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese lamb or kid rennet paste.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese made of?
Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged lamb or kid rennet paste. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is compact.