Parmesan Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese

Parmesan Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is semi-hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What Is Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Pecorino toscano is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Tuscany that has held PDO status since 1996. It is the third most produced sheep's milk cheese in Italy, behind pecorino romano and pecorino sardo.

What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

• Milk type: Parmesan Cheese (Cow's milk), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Parmesan Cheese (Hard), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Parmesan Cheese (natural), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Straw-colored)
• Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard))
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Fragrant)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant character. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Pecorino Toscano Cheese at at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Toscano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant notes.

Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Parmesan Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Pecorino Toscano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese suits recipes that want salty, savory notes, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese fits dishes calling for fragrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Toscano Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Pecorino Toscano Cheese at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is fragrant.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

What is Pecorino Toscano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmesan Cheese is hard, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is semi-hard.