Dairy

Pecorino Toscano

Pecorino Toscano is a milder, more aromatic sheep’s-milk cheese than its Romano cousin—pressed wheels from Tuscan ewe’s milk that range from soft and buttery when young (fresco) to firm, nutty, and slightly sweet when aged (stagionato). The paste is ivory to straw, less aggressively salted, and often scented with the herbs and clover of inland pastures rather than pure brine heat. Serve young Toscano with fresh fruit, honey, and olive oil; aged wheels belong on boards with Chianti, or shaved over ribollita and grilled vegetables. PDO production covers Tuscany and limited bordering communes. Bring to room temperature before eating so the sheep-fat sweetness and floral notes open fully.

Also known as: Pecorino Toscano Fresco, Pecorino Toscano Stagionato