Pecorino Cheese vs Stawley Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
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 Stawley Cheese?
Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Stawley Cheese?
- Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Stawley Cheese (soft)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Stawley Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Soft |
| Rind | — | Mold ripened |
| Aging | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato | — |
| Taste | — | Caramel, floral, milky, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Stawley Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Stawley 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 soft profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Stawley 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 Stawley Cheese made of?
Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Stawley Cheese is soft.