Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Pecorino di Filiano Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Pecorino di Filiano Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
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.
What Is Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
Pecorino di Filiano is a PDO-certified sheep's milk cheese from Basilicata, Italy. It is aged for several months, developing a hard texture and a complex flavor profile that includes hints of toasted hazelnuts and herbs. The rind is often treated with olive oil or vinegar to enhance its flavor and preservation.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Pecorino di Filiano Cheese (Sheep's milk)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Pecorino di Filiano Cheese (Hard)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Pecorino di Filiano Cheese (Golden yellow to dark brown)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Pecorino di Filiano Cheese (Two to five months, over six months)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Pecorino di Filiano Cheese (Sweet and delicate to strong and savoury)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Pecorino di Filiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Northwest Of The Basilicata Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Hard |
| Rind | Hard | Golden yellow to dark brown |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | Two to five months, over six months |
| Taste | Umami | Sweet and delicate to strong and savoury |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Pecorino di Filiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila | — |
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Where to buy Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pecorino di Filiano Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Pecorino di Filiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese brings sweet and delicate to strong and savoury character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese leans toward sweet in semi-aged, savoury in aged. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Pecorino di Filiano Cheese at two to five months, over six months.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Pecorino di Filiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese brings sweet and delicate to strong and savoury notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino di Filiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and delicate to strong and savoury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino di Filiano Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Pecorino di Filiano Cheese two to five months, over six months.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese is sweet and delicate to strong and savoury.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Pecorino di Filiano Cheese made of?
Pecorino di Filiano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using goat or lamb rennet. It's typically aged two to five months, over six months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino di Filiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Pecorino di Filiano Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Pecorino di Filiano Cheese.