Cheese Database

Formaggio di Fossa vs Pecorino Romano

Formaggio di Fossa

Facts

Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
No rind
Country
Italy
Status
PDO

Formaggio di Fossa is an Italian cheese aged in underground pits. The name means cheese of the pit, and the closed chamber is what sets it apart from other firm cheeses. Wheels are wrapped, stacked, and sealed in the rock until the paste turns irregular, moist, and strongly aromatic. The name is protected. Makers may use one milk or a blend, so two wheels from the same method can still taste different.

Pecorino Romano, field guide plate
Pecorino Romano, photographed

Pecorino Romano

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Italy
Place
Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany
Status
PDO

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty sheep's-milk cheese. Pecora is the Italian word for sheep. Romano is the Roman style.