Pecorino Crotonese Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is a fresh - soft, regular, creamy; semi-hard - firm; ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm sheep-milk cheese, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Crotonese Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Milk type: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Whole sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Fresh - soft, regular, creamy; Semi-hard - firm; Ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Pecorino Crotonese Cheese (Fresh - thin; Semi-hard - thick, light brown; Ripened - hard, brown, may be coated with olive oil or olive dregs), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Crotonese Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Provinces Of Crotone, Catanzaro, And Cosenza | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Whole sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, thermised, or pasteurised | — |
| Texture | Fresh - soft, regular, creamy; Semi-hard - firm; Ripened - slightly straw-colored, firm | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Fresh - thin; Semi-hard - thick, light brown; Ripened - hard, brown, may be coated with olive oil or olive dregs | Natural |
| Aging | Fresh, semi-hard, ripened (more than six months for ripened) | — |
| 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 Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Crotonese Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
Pecorino Crotonese Cheese can stand in for Scamorza 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Crotonese Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Crotonese Cheese is made from sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.
Is Pecorino Crotonese Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Crotonese Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Crotonese Cheese taste like Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Crotonese Cheese or Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.