Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

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

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

Provolone Cheese Overview

Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Provolone is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.

Composition and Texture

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".

Taste and Aroma

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".

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 . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

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 #68 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pecorino Romano and Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses