Jarlsberg Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

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

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

Jarlsberg Cheese Overview

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Pecorino Romano Cheese Overview

Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Pecorino Romano 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. Jarlsberg is not a protected cheese. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a PDO (1996), DOP (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Jarlsberg Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Jarlsberg Cheese has a fat content of regular: 27% (45% fdm), lite: 16% (30% fdm). Jarlsberg's texture can be described as "semihard". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Jarlsberg Cheese has a mild, sweet, nutty taste. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Jarlsberg Cheese's appearance is available in wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels and is aged three months to twelve months . Pecorino Romano Cheese has a color of white interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind , comes in wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide and has an aging period of 5–8 months or longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Jarlsberg Cheese's rind is described as plastic-covered and uses animal rennet. Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black , with rennet rennet.

Ranking

Jarlsberg is ranked #51 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino Romano is ranked #75 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Jarlsberg and Pecorino Romano pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Jarlsberg. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino Romano might be the better pick. Jarlsberg has a mild, sweet, nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Jarlsberg Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses