Emmental Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Pecorino Cheese

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

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

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Pecorino Cheese Overview

Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Pecorino 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. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004). Pecorino is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year .

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #164 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Pecorino Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Italy
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton Of Bern Not Specified
Certification PDO (2004) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Not Specified
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) Not Specified
Texture Hard or medium-hard Hard
Taste Nutty, sweet Not Specified
Colors Yellow Not Specified
Forms Round loaves Not Specified
Age 4 months to over 1 year Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Cheese to Other Cheeses

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