Source for pecorino cheese

[wryter2000]

Just got back from Italy where I had different versions of pecorino, none of them like the hard pecorino romano I buy to grate at Costco.

I want to find some of the semi-soft type (almost the consistency of chevre) that I can use to make caccio e pepe. All the pecorinos I can find online are listed as "hard." Does anyone know where I can get the softer type?

[procon]

1. A soft cheese is just an unripened version of the harder, aged cheese.

When you search Google for pecorino cheese include words like unripened, fresh, young, unaged or fresco, you will find a better selection of what you're looking for.

Here's a shopping link

[wryter2000]

4. Thereis one that says fresh

Maybe that's it.

Thanks!

[Warpy]

2. Maybe the North End of Boston

or similar neighborhoods in other big cities. You're going to need a specifically Italian grocery that flies in a lot of specialty items.

I'm afraid that's your best bet. The young pecorino just doesn't travel well and isn't a good keeper, so big groceries won't stock it.

[wryter2000]

3. Thanks

I was hoping for mail order. I don't want to have to schlep into San Francisco for some cheese. Sadly, the Genova Delicatessen in Oakland just closed.

[Warpy]

5. You might find it, lots of stuff is being sold online now

but it probably won't be as fresh as what you got in Italy. It might be a nice compromise, though.

[wryter2000]

6. I think I found it

Probably nothing will be as wonderful as it was in Italy.

I've been trying to think of a more local cheese I could use instead, but nothing has come to mind. Chevre tastes too different.