Pecorino Cheese vs Requeson
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Requeson is fresh soft, whey and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Brazil and Portugal.
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 Requeson?
Requeson, better known as requeijão, is a whey cheese made in Portugal and Brazil. It is close to ricotta and turns up in cheese spreads and in pastries such as queijada.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Requeson?
- Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Requeson (Brazil and Portugal)
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Requeson (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Requeson (fresh soft, whey)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Requeson | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Brazil And Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Portugal And Brazil |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Fresh soft, whey |
| Rind | — | Rindless |
| Aging | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato | — |
| Taste | — | Salty, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Requeson?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Requeson?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Requeson in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh soft, whey.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Requeson?
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 fresh soft, whey profile, Requeson is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Requeson?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Requeson comes from Brazil and Portugal. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Requeson uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Requeson?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Requeson?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Requeson?
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 Requeson made of?
Requeson is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Brazil and Portugal.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Requeson?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Requeson is fresh soft, whey.