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Cheddar Cheese vs Romano Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Romano Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Romano Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Romano Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Romano Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Romano Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Romano Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Romano 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.
Romano Cheese Overview
Romano, also known as Pecorino Romano, is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, originally from the region around Rome. It is known for its sharp, piquant flavor and is most often used grated over pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Romano Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Romano Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
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)". Romano'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". Romano Cheese has a mild, sharp, tangy taste. Romano's aroma can be described as "strong".
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 . Romano Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Romano Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Romano is ranked #180 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Romano | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Romano pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, sharp, tangy |
| Aroma | Varies | Strong |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| 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, Romano might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Romano offers a mild, sharp, tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
