Pecorino
Pecorino is general name for hard Italian cheeses made from
sheep's milk- Pecora means sheep in Italian.
Pecorino cheeses have a salty flavor which varies in sharpness
depending on how old the cheese is. These cheeses are generally
matured for a minimum of nine months and become yellower and
harder as they matures.
Pecorino Romano which is the most popular of the mature
Pecorinos is yellow in color. It is quite similar to Parmigiano
Reggiano (Parmesan) though a little sharper in taste and is
often used in pasta sauces. Pecorinos can also be used as
dessert cheeses though it is an acquired taste to eat them
as such.
Other types of Pecorino are Pecorino Tuscano which has a
very light texture and Pecorino Sardo with its greenish hue.
These Pecorinos are not as salty as the Romano variety and
are often used in sandwiches. Fresh Pecorino such as Ricotto
Pecorino is softer in texture.
As with most cheese Pecorino does to a degree improve with
age but make sure it is not too old as much of its distinctive
flavor will be lost.
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