Pecorino Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pecorino Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pecorino Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pecorino Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pecorino Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Pecorino Cheese Overview
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Pecorino is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Pecorino is ranked #165 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Pecorino Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Heated to 90–95°F |
Rind | Not Specified | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
Texture | Hard | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
Taste | Not Specified | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Aroma | Not Specified | Herbaceous, aromatic |
Colors | Not Specified | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
Forms | Not Specified | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
Age | Not Specified | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Pecorino. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick.