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

Ranking

Comté is ranked #79 out of 375 types.

Pecorino Romano is ranked #84 out of 375 types.

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

Flavor and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted flavor. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance 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

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Comté Cheese Pecorino Romano Cheese
Country of Origin France Italy
Specific Origin Massif du Jura Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1958) DOP (1996)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Ewe's milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content ~36%
Rind Pale yellow to brown or black
Texture Smooth Hard
Flavor Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted Sharp, salty
Colors White interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind
Forms Wide, flat wheels Wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide
Age 4 months to 3 years 5–8 months or longer
Rennet Type Rennet

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses