What is the Difference Between Pecorino and Grana Padano

Pecorino and Grana Padano are two popular hard cheeses of Italian origin. However, these are two types of cheese with distinct features and flavors.

The key difference between Pecorino and Grana Padano is the milk they use. Grana Padano is cow’s milk cheese, while pecorino is sheep’s milk cheese. Sheep’s milk naturally has a higher fat content and a stronger flavor than cow’s milk.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pecorino 
3. What is Grana Padano
4. Similarities – Pecorino and Grana Padano
5. Pecorino vs Grana Padano in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Pecorino and Grana Padano
7. FAQ – Pecorino and Grana Padano

What is Pecorino?

Pecorino is a type of Italian hard cheese produced from sheep’s milk. There are six main varieties of pecorino, depending on the region where they’re produced. All of these have protected designation of origin status under the European Union law. Out of these varieties, pecorino romano is the most well known outside Italy. It is produced on the island of Sardinia and the regions of Umbria and Lazio. The other five varieties are pecorino sardo from Sardinia, pecorino toscano from Tuscany, pecorino siciliano from Sicily, pecorino di Filiano from Basilicata, and pecorino crotonese from province of Crotone.

These varieties of pecorino can be also classified into three types based on how long they have been aged: Stagionato, semi-stagionato, and fresco. Stagionato is the seasoned cheese. It is harder but crumbly in texture. The other two types have a comparatively softer texture. In fact, the longer the pecorino ages, the more crumbly, firm, and salty it becomes. This makes them ideal for grating. The younger cheeses have a softer, more creamy texture. They can be often eaten on their own or in sandwiches.

What is Grana Padano?

Grana Padano is a type of semi-fat, hard Italian cheese produced from cow’s milk. In fact, it is made from unpasteurized skimmed cow milk, which gives it a lower fat content. This cheese originates from the Po River Valley in northern Italy. The name ‘grana’ refers to the grainy and flaked texture of the cheese. Grana Padano is somewhat similar to Parmigiano Reggiano. However, the former has a nutty profile with a subtle saltiness that’s gentler on the palate.

There are three types of Grana Padano in the market, depending on their ripening stages. These are Grana Padano, Grana Padano oltre 16 mesi, Grana Padano Riserva. Grana Padano is aged 9 – 16 months. It has a creamy and slightly grain texture. Grana Padano oltre 16 mesi is cheese that has been aged over 16 months. It has a crumblier texture and a stronger taste. Grana Padano Riserva has been aged over 20 months and has grainy and crumbly texture and is full flavoured.

Similarities Between Pecorino and Grana Padano

1. Both are hard cheeses with Italian origins.
2. They have protected designation of origin status (PDO) under the European Union law.
3. Both are added in the grated form on top of various pasta dishes.

Difference Between Pecorino and Grana Padano

Definition

1. Pecorino is a type of Italian hard cheese produced from sheep’s milk.
2. Grana Padano is a type of semi-fat, hard Italian cheese produced from cow’s milk.

Type of Milk

1. Pecorino is made from goat’s milk.
2. Grana Padano is made from cow’s milk.

Taste

1. Pecorino, especially Pecorino Romano, has a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor profile.
2. Grana Padano has a milder, sweeter, and slightly tangy taste.

Texture

1. Pecorino Romano has a crumblier texture.
2. Grana Padano has a smoother, grainier texture.

The following table summarizes the difference between Pecorino and Grana Padano.

Summary – Pecorino vs Grana Padano

Pecorino, made from goat’s milk, has a crumblier texture and a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor profile. Grana Padano, made from cow’s milk, has a smoother, grainier texture and a milder, sweeter, and slightly tangy taste. This is the summary of the difference between Pecorino and Grana Padano.

FAQ: Pecorino and Grana Padano

1. Can I use Grana Padano instead of Pecorino?

• You can use Grana Padano as a substitute for Pecorino. However, there might be a subtle change in the overall flavor of the dish as Grana Padano has a milder and creamier taste.

2. What’s the difference between Pecorino and Parmesan?

• Parmesan is aged longer, which makes it harder and drier. It also has a more nutty and sweeter flavor profile. Pecorino, which is younger, is softer and creamier and has a grassier, brighter, and tangier taste. It also has a stronger saltiness.

3. Is carbonara Pecorino or Grana Padano?

• Carbonara is a pasta dish originating from Lazio region of Italy. The traditional recipe for Carbonara uses pecorino romano. However, we can also use cheeses like Grana Padano and Parmesan for Carbonara.

4. Why is Grana Padano cheaper than Parmesan?

• Grana Padano uses cow’s milk, which is more readily available and less expensive than sheep’s milk used in Pecorino Romano. Moreover, Grana Padano’s region is much larger, which means more producers can make this cheese. This is why Grana Padano is much cheaper than Parmesan.

Reference:

1. “Everything You Need to Know about Pecorino Cheese.” Food Network.

2. “Grana Padano.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pecorino di Filiano” By Rlucia – it.wikipedia.org (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Grana Padano DOP Riserva” By Claudia Castaldi – Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

Related posts:

Difference Between Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil Difference Between Almond Paste and Marzipan Difference Between Hoagie and Sub Difference Between Duck and Chicken Eggs Difference Between Pork and Beef