Mixed Milk Cheese vs Pecorino Siciliano Cheese
Mixed Milk Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is hard and compact and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mixed Milk Cheese?
Mixed milk cheese is any cheese made from more than one type of milk, such as cow, goat, sheep or buffalo. Feta, Scamorza, Wensleydale, Faisselle and Corsican farmhouse cheeses all belong to this group.
What Is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
Pecorino siciliano is a firm sheep milk cheese from Sicily. It goes back to the classical Greek world, when it was counted among the best cheeses anywhere, and it holds European PDO status today.
What's the Difference Between Mixed Milk Cheese and Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
- Milk type: Mixed Milk Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo), Pecorino Siciliano Cheese (Sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mixed Milk Cheese | Pecorino Siciliano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Sicily |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Hard and compact |
| Rind | — | White to light yellow |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months, up to over 12 months |
| Taste | — | Varies from fresh and floral to fruity and spicy with age |
Taste Comparison: Does Mixed Milk Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
Mixed Milk Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Siciliano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Mixed Milk Cheese or Pecorino Siciliano 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 Mixed Milk Cheese the same as Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Pecorino Siciliano Cheese uses sheep.
Is Mixed Milk Cheese similar to Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mixed Milk Cheese taste like Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mixed Milk Cheese made of?
Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
What is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using lamb's rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 months, up to over 12 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Mixed Milk Cheese or Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.