Halloumi Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

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

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

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

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

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. 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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Pecorino is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #167 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Cheese to Other Cheeses