Pecorino Sardo Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Pecorino Sardo Cheese is a firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
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 Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Sardo Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Pecorino Sardo Cheese (Italy), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Pecorino Sardo Cheese (Sheep's Milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Sardo Cheese (Firm but springy and elastic for Dolce, Hard and grainy for Maturo), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Pecorino Sardo Cheese (Mild and sweet for Dolce, More piquant and pronounced in salt for Maturo), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Sardo Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Sheep's Milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Thermized | — |
| Texture | Firm but springy and elastic for Dolce, Hard and grainy for Maturo | Artisan |
| 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 | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Pecorino Sardo Cheese reads as mild and sweet for dolce, more piquant and pronounced in salt for maturo, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. More specifically, Pecorino Sardo Cheese shows sharpness increases with longer maturation, while Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Pecorino Sardo Cheese can stand in for Pule Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo bite and body where the recipe calls for artisan. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Sardo Cheese reads as mild and sweet for dolce, more piquant and pronounced in salt for maturo while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Pule Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo cheese, go with Pecorino Sardo Cheese. For a artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Sardo Cheese suits recipes that want mild and sweet for dolce, more piquant and pronounced in salt for maturo notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Sardo Cheese originates in Italy, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Pecorino Sardo Cheese reads as mild and sweet for dolce, more piquant and pronounced in salt for maturo, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
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 Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Sardo Cheese is firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo, while Pule Cheese is artisan.