Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy. Taleggio 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). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

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 . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black and uses rennet rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Pecorino Romano is ranked #63 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pecorino Romano and Taleggio 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 soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Pecorino Romano has a sharp, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses