Pecorino

This cheese is so popular that almost every region makes its own version, each one adapted to suit local ingredients and culinary traditions. Wherever it comes from, pecorino is made in the same way. The difference in flavour between each one comes from the qualities in the local milks and the ageing processes. Pecorino is a semi-cooked hard cheese made with full-fat milk. The drums are about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) in diameter, 14-22 cm (5½-8¾ inches) high and weigh 6-22 kg (13-48 lb). It is a compact, white cheese which is aged for at least 8 months before being eaten at table or grated like parmesan.