Dorset Blue Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese is a lightly pressed, firm-textured blue cheese made in Dorset, England. It has a uniform color with irregular blue-green veining and a rough, dry brown mold coating. The cheese has a piquant, peppery flavor that ranges from mild to strong. Made using skimmed cow’s milk, the tradition of using lower-fat milk dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was made from residual milk left after cream skimming. The production process includes hand-breaking curds, salting, light pressing, and maturing for 12 to 20 weeks. The cheese is pierced after four weeks to develop its signature blue veining. Dorset’s lush pasture, supported by Oxford clay soil, contributes to the unique flavor of the milk used in the cheese.

What Is Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Pecorino Toscano is a PDO-certified cheese from Tuscany made from sheep's milk. It has a softer texture and milder flavor compared to other Pecorinos and can be eaten fresh or aged. The fresh version is creamy and mild, while the aged version is firmer and nuttier, often served as part of an antipasti platter or grated into dishes.

What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

• Milk type: Dorset Blue Cheese (Cow), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Soft or Semihard)
• Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Straw-colored)
• Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard))
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Fragrant)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant character. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Pecorino Toscano Cheese at at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Toscano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft or semihard. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a soft or semihard profile, Pecorino Toscano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese fits dishes calling for fragrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Toscano Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Pecorino Toscano Cheese at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is fragrant.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

What is Pecorino Toscano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard.