Romano Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Romano Cheese is a hard cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Romano Cheese?
Romano is the North American name for a class of hard, salty cheese made mainly for grating, from cow, goat and/or sheep's milk. It imitates Italian pecorino romano and must hold at least 38% milkfat and under 34% water.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Romano Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Romano Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Romano Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. And Canada | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Mild, sharp, tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Romano Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Romano Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Romano Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Romano Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romano Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Romano Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Romano Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Romano Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Romano Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Romano Cheese made of?
Romano Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using rennet not required; any suitable milk-clotting enzym rennet. It originates in Italy.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Romano Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.