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Mozzarella Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mozzarella Cheese and Pecorino Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mozzarella Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese and Pecorino Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mozzarella Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mozzarella Cheese compare to Pecorino Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese or Pecorino Cheese better?"
Mozzarella Cheese Overview
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
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
Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Pecorino Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized. Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk.
Composition and Texture
Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild".
Appearance and Aging
Mozzarella Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in balls, blocks, shredded and is aged eaten fresh .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none and uses calf's or microbial rennet.
Ranking
Mozzarella is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #171 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Mozzarella | Pecorino | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mozzarella and Pecorino pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mozzarella Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | Varies | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Hard |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Mild | Not Specified |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| Forms | Balls, blocks, shredded | Not Specified |
| Age | Eaten fresh | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Calf's or microbial rennet | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, creamy cheese, go for Mozzarella. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.
