Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

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

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

Ricotta Salata Cheese Overview

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Ricotta Salata 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). Ricotta Salata is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk. Ricotta Salata Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

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

Taste and Aroma

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

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 .

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 #64 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta Salata is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pecorino Romano and Ricotta Salata 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, whey consistency, Ricotta Salata might be the better pick.

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Salata Cheese to Other Cheeses