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.

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

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