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 |