Pecorino Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is semi-hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Pecorino Cheese
Buy Pecorino Toscano 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 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 Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (Hard), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Aging: Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Pecorino Toscano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Tuscany, Some Municipalities Of Umbria And Lazio |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | — | Straw-colored |
| Aging | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato | At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard) |
| Taste | — | Fragrant |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato develops a different profile than Pecorino Toscano Cheese at at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
In most recipes, Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Pecorino Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Pecorino Toscano Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Pecorino Cheese is typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato, Pecorino Toscano Cheese at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pecorino 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 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 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 Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is semi-hard.