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
Ranking
Pecorino Romano is ranked #84 out of 375 types.
Pimento is ranked #71 out of 375 types.
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 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".
Flavor and Aroma
Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty flavor. Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili flavor. 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.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Pecorino Romano Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
Specific Origin | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto | Southern United States |
Certification | DOP (1996) | None |
Milk Type | Ewe's milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
Fat Content | ~36% | |
Rind | Pale yellow to brown or black | |
Texture | Hard | Spreadable |
Flavor | Sharp, salty | Sweet, rounded chili |
Aroma | Sweet, rounded chili | |
Colors | White interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind | |
Forms | Wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
Age | 5–8 months or longer | |
Rennet Type | Rennet |