Pecorino Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (Sheep's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Pecorino Cheese (Hard), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, washed-rind.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.