Pecorino Sardo Cheese vs Pecorino-Style Cheese
Pecorino Sardo Cheese is a firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino-Style Cheese is .
What Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
Pecorino sardo is a firm sheep milk cheese from Sardinia, made with milk from the island's local Sarda sheep and curdled with calf's rennet. It comes in two versions: dolce, aged 20 to 60 days, and maturo, aged more than two months and sharper in taste.
What Is Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Pecorino-Style cheese is a hard, aged cheese made from sheep's milk, inspired by traditional Italian Pecorino. It has a crumbly texture and a sharp, salty flavor with a hint of nuttiness. The cheese is typically pale yellow, with a natural rind that can be dark brown or black. As it ages, the flavor becomes more intense and the texture drier. It's commonly used for grating over pasta dishes or enjoyed on a cheese board with fruits and nuts. Pecorino-Style cheese pairs well with robust red wines and can be a flavorful addition to salads and soups.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Sardo Cheese and Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Sardo Cheese | Pecorino-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia | — |
| Milk Type | Sheep's Milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Thermized | — |
| Texture | Firm but springy and elastic for Dolce, Hard and grainy for Maturo | — |
| Rind | Pale yellow to mahogany | — |
| Aging | 20 to 60 days for Dolce, At least 60 days for Maturo | — |
| Taste | Mild and sweet for Dolce, More piquant and pronounced in salt for Maturo | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese Taste Like Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Pecorino Sardo Cheese can stand in for Pecorino-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Pecorino-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese the same as Pecorino-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese similar to Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Pecorino-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese taste like Pecorino-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Sardo Cheese made of?
Pecorino Sardo Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized or thermized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 60 days for dolce, at least 60 days for maturo. It originates in Italy.
What is Pecorino-Style Cheese made of?
Pecorino-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Pecorino-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.