Comté Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

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

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

Comté Cheese Overview

Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.

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

Comté Cheese comes from France. 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. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Pecorino Romano Cheese has a PDO (1996), DOP (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . 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

Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black , with rennet rennet.

Ranking

Comté is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino Romano is ranked #82 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino Romano might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses