There are easily hundreds of varieties of cheese out there. The most common of which are cheddar, blue cheese, mozzarella, and feta cheese. There are so many different types of cheese, it can be hard to know which one to pick out of the sea of options.
You could easily make do with an everyday cheese like mozzarella or cheddar. But, there are a variety of options out there. Some of which, like pecorino, are so much bolder and rich in flavor.
Pecorino is a popular Italian cheese that is most commonly used to grate over various pasta dishes. The question is, what does pecorino cheese taste like?
Well, in this article, we are going to go over everything you need to know about this cheese and what exactly it tastes like. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and get started!
What Exactly Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian word that literally means sheep. Why, you might ask? Well, pecorino cheese is actually made using sheep milk. This cheese is an old recipe that has been used in Italian cuisine for centuries.
It is largely used in Southern Italy, and it has even been a staple part of the ancient armies of Rome’s diet. But today there are no ancient Roman soldiers to enjoy this cheese.
Instead, it is in many modern Italian dishes, and it can be found in many grocery stores around the world. This cheese is perfect to grate over the top of your meals. It is hard and has a kind of crumbly texture.
But that is not all, this cheese also has a reasonably high melting point which means that it is perfect to put on top of pizza, lasagna, pasta dishes, and various other Italian-inspired dishes.
What Is The Flavor Of Pecorino Cheese Like?
This variety of cheese is also known as Pecorino Romano. It is a firm variety of cheese that has a kind of tangy flavor profile. But this cheese has so much more flavor to it than the all-essential tanginess.
The flavor of this cheese has salty yet spicy notes that work perfectly together. The rind of this cheese tends to be quite hard, white, and grainy. While the color of the rind also tends to be a kind of brownish-black.
The flavor of pecorino cheese can be described as being similar to Parmesan cheese. The main difference being the robust and more appetizing scent and flavor. If you intend to slice up this cheese, be aware that the pieces will snap quite easily.
So, the flavor of pecorino cheese is tangy, salty, spicy, and just a little bitter. Despite this strong assembly of flavors, this is a very delicately balanced cheese that you are sure to love.
This is a fairly dry variety of cheese, which is a fairly big difference when you compare pecorino to other varieties of cheese. The question now is if this cheese is actually healthy for you. Well, it is rich in omega-three and other vital nutrients.
This cheese is especially good for those of you that are struggling with a cardiovascular disease. This is because pecorino cheese can actually help with inflammation. But, there is more to this cheese that makes it so beneficial.
For one, it has a high protein and vitamin content. Pecorino cheese is known for having a much higher calcium content when you compare it to other cheeses. Especially cheese varieties made using cow milk.
If your aim is to gain muscle, you might find that it is a good idea to consume more pecorino cheese. On top of that, this cheese can actually help you to lower your cholesterol.
When you add up all these perks and the rich and delicious flavor of pecorino cheese, you can really see why this is such a great option.
This is a very balanced cheese that has many health benefits. More than the few we have mentioned in this section. If that has not sold you on trying out pecorino cheese, nothing will! It really is worth trying!
What Is The Best Way To Cook With Pecorino Cheese?
Now that you have an idea of what pecorino cheese tastes like, you might be wondering what the best way to cook with this cheese is.
In this section, we are going to take a closer look at a few ideas that you might want to consider if you want to cook with this cheese. We have listed a few options below for you to consider:
- Sprinkle a little cheese over pasta dishes.
- Add some pecorino cheese to your omelets.
- Sprinkle this cheese on pizza or flatbread.
- Put some pecorino cheese into dipping sauces.
Pecorino cheese is aged for about five months before you get it from the store. When it is fresh, you can always serve your pecorino cheese as a part of a cheese table. Pairing it with fruit, crackers, or even fancy artisan bread will be fantastic.
If you want to add some flavor to your salad or soup dishes, you can always add some pecorino cheese on top. One of Italy’s favorite recipes that use pecorino is Pasta Alla Gricia. It is an iconic dish that is beloved by many.
It really enhances the flavor of this unique and delicious sheep cheese. Cooking with this cheese is super easy, just go with your heart, and you are sure to come up with a great way to use this flavorsome and delicious cheese.
Alternatively, you could follow a recipe that uses this cheese. Either way, this is a delightful cheese that you absolutely need to try. You will love it!
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about this delicious cheese. If you have only ever had cheese made from cow milk, this is a fantastic, safe option for you.
It is a great option if you need a variety of cheese that is just a little more decadent and flavorsome. Just a little pecorino cheese will elevate your meal while still staying true to everything you know and love about cheese.
The smell, flavor, and texture all work together perfectly to create a flavorsome, rich, and delicious cheese that you are almost guaranteed to love. If you have enjoyed reading this article, you absolutely need to check out our website.
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So, take a moment to check out our site to learn more. There is sure to be something there that will pique your interest. Thanks for reading!
