Pecorino
Pecorino is a general term for Italian cheeses made from sheep’s milk.
Pecorino is a family of Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The name comes from the Italian word *pecora*, meaning “sheep.”
What is Pecorino?
Pecorino is not a single cheese but a broad category of Italian cheeses produced from ewe’s milk. The term is rooted in the Italian word *pecora* (sheep), and references to sheep’s-milk cheese go back to Roman times. Most pecorino cheeses are firm and aged, though styles and ageing periods vary by region.
Key varieties
Several regional pecorinos have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, including Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Sardo, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Siciliano. These differ in texture, flavour, and ageing time, but all share the sheep’s-milk base. Pecorino Romano is one of the best-known varieties and is often used for grating.
Culinary use and availability
Pecorino is commonly eaten as a table cheese or grated over pasta, salads, and other dishes. Longer-aged, stronger versions are especially valued for seasoning. In Canada, pecorino is widely available in grocery stores and specialty cheese shops, making it a common ingredient in Italian-style cooking from coast to coast.
In short
- Pecorino is a family of Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk.
- The name comes from the Italian word for sheep, *pecora*.
- Several regional varieties have PDO status.
- Commonly used for grating and as a table cheese.
Pecorino is widely available in Canadian grocery stores and specialty cheese shops, and it is commonly used in Italian-style cooking in Canada.
Quick questions
What is pecorino?
Why is it called pecorino?
Is pecorino a hard cheese?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PecorinoSupports: Pecorino as an Italian hard cheese produced from sheep’s milk and the etymology from *pecora*.
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/how-to/2014/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pecorino-cheeseSupports: Pecorino as a term for Italian sheep’s-milk cheeses, main types, aging categories, and historical notes.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecorino_romanoSupports: Pecorino Romano as a hard, salty sheep’s-milk cheese commonly used for grating.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecorino_sardoSupports: Pecorino Sardo as a regional pecorino and its PDO status.
- Turismo Roma — https://www.turismoroma.it/en/page/pecorino-romano-extra-tasty-secret-roman-cuisineSupports: Pecorino Romano’s traditional use in Roman cuisine and production areas including Lazio, Sardinia, and Grosseto.