Pecorino Cheese vs Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What Is Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Pecorino di Picinisco is produced in the Lazio and Abruzzo regions of Italy. This cheese is made from the milk of sheep that graze on the rich, diverse pastures of the area, giving it a distinctive, aromatic flavor. It has a semi-hard texture and is typically aged for a minimum of four months.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (Sheep's milk), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk)
- Aging: Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato), Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese (Lamb or kid rennet paste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Comino Valley, Frosinone |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | — | Straw-colored, thin, rough |
| Aging | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato | Lamb or kid rennet paste |
| Taste | — | Mild for scamosciato, strong for stagionato |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Pecorino Cheese shows buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk, while Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese leans toward mountain pasture aroma. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato develops a different profile than Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese at lamb or kid rennet paste.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino di Picinisco 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 Cheese the same as Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Pecorino Cheese is typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato, Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese lamb or kid rennet paste.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
What is Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese made of?
Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged lamb or kid rennet paste. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino di Picinisco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.