Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pecorino Romano Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pecorino Romano Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Romano Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pecorino Romano Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pecorino Romano Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Romano Cheese or Red Leicester 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.
Red Leicester Cheese Overview
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Pecorino Romano is ranked #83 out of 866 types based on community views.
Red Leicester is ranked #68 out of 866 types based on community views.
Country of Origin
Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
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). Red Leicester is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of none. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".
Flavor and Aroma
Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty flavor. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet flavor. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".
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 . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .
Rind and Rennet Type
Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black and uses rennet rennet. Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Pecorino Romano Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | United Kingdom |
Specific Origin | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto | Leicestershire |
Certification | DOP (1996) | None |
Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | None | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
Fat Content | ~36% | High |
Moisture Content | None | Medium |
Rind | Pale yellow to brown or black | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
Texture | Hard | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
Flavor | Sharp, salty | Caramel, sweet |
Aroma | Strong | Mild |
Colors | White interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind | Reddish-orange |
Forms | Wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide | Traditional cylindrical, industrial block |
Age | 5–8 months or longer | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
Rennet Type | Rennet | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Pecorino Romano. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.