Derby Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Derby Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Derby Cheese?
Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Derby Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Derby Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Derbyshire | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | Semi-firm, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Natural or waxed | — |
| Aging | 1 to 6 months | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Buttery, mild, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Derby Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derby Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Derby Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Derby Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Derby Cheese made of?
Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.