Red Leicester Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

Red Leicester Cheese

Pecorino Romano Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Red Leicester Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Red Leicester Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
  • "Is Red Leicester Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Red Leicester Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Red Leicester Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
  • "Is Red Leicester Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese better?"

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Pecorino Romano Cheese Overview

Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #71 out of 377 types.

Pecorino Romano is ranked #85 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Pecorino Romano 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. Red Leicester is not a protected cheese. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a DOP (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of medium. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard".

Flavor and Aroma

Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Red Leicester Cheese's appearance is colored reddish-orange , is available in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and is aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial . Pecorino Romano Cheese has a color of white interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind , comes in wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide and has an aging period of 5–8 months or longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black , with rennet rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Red Leicester Cheese Pecorino Romano Cheese
Country of Origin United Kingdom Italy
Specific Origin Leicestershire Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto
Certification None DOP (1996)
Milk Type Cow's milk Ewe's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others)
Fat Content High ~36%
Moisture Content Medium
Rind Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) Pale yellow to brown or black
Texture Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly Hard
Flavor Sharp, salty
Aroma Mild
Colors Reddish-orange White interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind
Forms Traditional cylindrical, industrial block Wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide
Age 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial 5–8 months or longer
Rennet Type Animal Rennet

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses

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