Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

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

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Pecorino 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. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996). Pecorino is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky". Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".

Appearance and Aging

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's appearance is colored straw or light straw , is available in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and is aged 12 to 36 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard and uses calf rennet.

Ranking

Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino is ranked #167 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a grainy, flaky cheese, go for Parmigiano Reggiano. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino might be the better pick.

Compare Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Cheese to Other Cheeses