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.

Compare Pecorino Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

Did you find what you are looking for?