Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Pecorino Romano Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

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

• Texture: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Romano Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Pecorino Romano Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese 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 to hard. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

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 to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Romano Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Pecorino Romano Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Pecorino Romano Cheese leans strong, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.