Colby Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Colby Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
• "Is Colby Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese the same?"
• "How does Colby Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Colby Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
• "Is Colby Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese better?"

Colby Cheese Overview

Colby is an American cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to cheddar but is softer, moister, and milder in flavor. Colby is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic texture with a creamy, mild flavor that makes it popular in cheeseburgers and sandwiches.

Pecorino Romano Cheese Overview

Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Colby Cheese comes from United States. Pecorino Romano Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Colby is not a protected cheese. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a PDO (1996), DOP (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Colby Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of 40%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Colby Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Colby's aroma can be described as "mild, sweet". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Colby Cheese's appearance is colored orange , is available in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and is aged < 3 months . Pecorino Romano Cheese has a color of white interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind , comes in wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide and has an aging period of 5–8 months or longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Colby Cheese's rind is described as none . Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black , with rennet rennet.

Ranking

Colby is ranked #31 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino Romano is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Colby and Pecorino Romano pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a slightly curdy, softer cheese, go for Colby. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino Romano might be the better pick. Colby has a mild, milky taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Colby Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses