Pecorino-Style Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Pecorino-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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 Is Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Pecorino toscano is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Tuscany that has held PDO status since 1996. It is the third most produced sheep's milk cheese in Italy, behind pecorino romano and pecorino sardo.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino-Style Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino-Style Cheese | Pecorino Toscano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Tuscany, Some Municipalities Of Umbria And Lazio |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft or Semihard |
| Rind | — | Straw-colored |
| Aging | — | At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard) |
| Taste | — | Fragrant |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino-Style Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino-Style Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Pecorino-Style Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Toscano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pecorino-Style Cheese or Pecorino Toscano 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-Style Cheese the same as Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pecorino-Style Cheese similar to Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino-Style Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Pecorino-Style Cheese taste like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino-Style Cheese made of?
Pecorino-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Pecorino Toscano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino-Style Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.