L'Etivaz Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
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 L'Etivaz Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: L'Etivaz Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Aging: L'Etivaz Cheese (5 to 13 months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Vaud, Switzerland | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Aging | 5 to 13 months | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Fruity, slightly nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does L'Etivaz Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, L'Etivaz Cheese shows creamier and less sharp than antique gruyère, smooth, salty, varying with the pasture soil, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. L'Etivaz Cheese at 5 to 13 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
L'Etivaz Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, L'Etivaz Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Etivaz Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. L'Etivaz Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: L'Etivaz Cheese is typically aged 5 to 13 months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is L'Etivaz Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does L'Etivaz Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
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, L'Etivaz Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.