Highlights
1. Pecorino and Parmesan are two different Italian cheese varieties that have many differences in taste and aroma, making them suitable for different recipes.
2. Pecorino is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep milk, while Parmesan is a hard cheese made from raw cow milk and aged for about 18 months.
3. Pecorino is softer, lighter in color, and has a less strong flavor compared to Parmesan, which has a nutty and fruity taste after aging for nearly 2 years.
Introduction
Pecorino and Parmesan are two different Italian cheese varieties that have been used in various recipes in Italy since ancient times. While they may look similar, they have many differences in taste and aroma that make them suitable for different recipes. This article explores the distinctions between Pecorino and Parmesan cheeses.
Pecorino
Pecorino is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep milk. It is aged for around 8 months and is characteristic of the region where it is made in Italy, particularly in and around Rome and Tuscany. Pecorino is whitish in color and is commonly grated over food items to enhance their flavor and aroma. Other regional variations include Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Siciliano. Pecorino Romano is the most popular variety in the US.
Parmesan
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard cheese made from raw cow milk. It is aged for about 18 months and originates from northern Italy, especially the northern parts of Tuscany. Parmesan is made into 80-pound wheels using milk from grass-fed or hay-fed cows, with only salt added. After aging, it develops a nutty taste and a gritty texture.
Pecorino vs. Parmesan
Here are the key differences between Pecorino and Parmesan:
– Pecorino is made from sheep milk, while Parmesan is made from raw cow milk.
– After aging for nearly 2 years, Parmesan has a nutty and fruity taste, whereas Pecorino is salty and hard.
– Pecorino is softer, while Parmesan has a grainy texture.
– Pecorino is lighter in color than Parmesan.
– Pecorino has a milder flavor compared to Parmesan.
