Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

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

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

Pecorino Romano Cheese Overview

Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a PDO (1996), DOP (1996). Pimento is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Taste and Aroma

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Pecorino Romano Cheese's appearance is colored white interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind , is available in wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide and is aged 5–8 months or longer . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black and uses rennet rennet.

Ranking

Pecorino Romano is ranked #63 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #126 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pecorino Romano and Pimento pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Pecorino Romano. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses