Pecorino Crotonese Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is a fresh - soft, regular, creamy; semi-hard - firm; ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm sheep-milk cheese, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
What Is Pecorino Crotonese Cheese?
Pecorino Crotonese is an Italian sheep's milk cheese and one of the pecorino varieties registered with the EU as a protected designation of origin. Pecorino is the family name for Italy's sheep's milk cheeses, and every region makes its own.
What Is Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Crotonese Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Milk type: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Whole sheep's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Fresh - soft, regular, creamy; Semi-hard - firm; Ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened)), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Crotonese Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Provinces Of Crotone, Catanzaro, And Cosenza | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Whole sheep's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, thermised, or pasteurised | — |
| Texture | Fresh - soft, regular, creamy; Semi-hard - firm; Ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Fresh - thin; Semi-hard - thick, light brown; Ripened - hard, brown, may be coated with olive oil or olive dregs | — |
| Aging | Fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened) | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Distinct, smooth, slightly tangy (fresh); Intense, well-balanced (semi-hard); Intense, distinct, slight piquant aftertaste (ripened) | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Crotonese Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Crotonese Cheese at fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened) develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Crotonese Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Pecorino Crotonese Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh - soft, regular, creamy; semi-hard - firm; ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Crotonese Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh - soft, regular, creamy; semi-hard - firm; ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm cheese, go with Pecorino Crotonese Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Crotonese Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is made from sheep milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is typically aged fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened), Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Pecorino Crotonese Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Crotonese Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Crotonese Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Crotonese Cheese made of?
Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw, thermised, or pasteurised), using kid rennet pas rennet. It's typically aged fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened).
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Crotonese Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is fresh - soft, regular, creamy; semi-hard - firm; ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.