Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Pecorino Romano Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

What Is Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Romano Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Italy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (cow's milk)
• Texture: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
• Rind: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Romano Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Pecorino Romano Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Pecorino Romano Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Pecorino Romano Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Romano Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Romano Cheese originates in Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pecorino Romano Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Pecorino Romano Cheese leans strong, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.

What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.