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Cheddar Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Pecorino Cheese Overview
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Pecorino Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #163 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Pecorino | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Pecorino pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.
