Pecorino Cheese vs Pecorino Sardo Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino Sardo Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Sardo Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Pecorino Cheese
Buy Pecorino Sardo Cheese
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 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's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
- Aging: Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato), Pecorino Sardo Cheese (20 to 60 days for Dolce, At least 60 days for Maturo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Pecorino Sardo Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Sardinia |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or Thermized |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | — | Pale yellow to mahogany |
| Aging | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato | 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 Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Pecorino Cheese shows buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk, while Pecorino Sardo Cheese leans toward sharpness increases with longer maturation. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato develops a different profile than Pecorino Sardo Cheese at 20 to 60 days for dolce, at least 60 days for maturo.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
In most recipes, Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Sardo Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino Sardo 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 Sardo Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Pecorino Cheese is typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato, Pecorino Sardo Cheese 20 to 60 days for dolce, at least 60 days for maturo.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Pecorino Sardo 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 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.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino Sardo Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.