Idiazabal Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

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 Idiazabal Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?

• Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
• Aging: Idiazabal Cheese (60 days), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Idiazabal Cheese shows ranging from lactic and roasted notes to distinctive "acid" aromas due to lipolytic activity., while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Idiazabal Cheese at 60 days develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

In most recipes, Idiazabal Cheese and Pecorino Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, slightly elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.

Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, slightly elastic cheese, go with Idiazabal Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Idiazabal Cheese is typically aged 60 days, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

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, Idiazabal Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.