Cheese Database

Ġbejna vs Pecorino Sardo

Ġbejna

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Fresh
Type
Fresh
Rind
No rind
Country
Malta

Ġbejna is a small sheep's milk cheese from Malta. The name is a diminutive of the Maltese word for cheese, and English speakers often call the pieces cheeselets. Each piece is only a few bites, with a rounded shape that comes from a small basket mold. Makers sell it fresh, air-dried, or coated with black pepper. Sheep's milk defines it, and the taste changes with the way the piece is kept.

Pecorino Sardo, field guide plate
Pecorino Sardo, photographed

Pecorino Sardo

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Italy
Place
Sardinia
Status
PDO

Pecorino Sardo is a semi-hard sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia, and the name is protected. Whole sheep's milk from the island is the only milk used for the protected cheese. It is made in two styles, Dolce and Maturo, and they differ in age, texture, and bite. Dolce is the milder table cheese. Maturo is drier, sharper, and suited to grating as well as the board.