Pecorino is a hard, salty sheep's milk cheese offering calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Made from pasteurized milk, it's a flavorful and safe addition to pregnancy meals.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Pecorino's calcium supports your baby's developing bones and teeth while helping maintain your own bone density. Its protein and healthy fats support tissue growth and provide steady energy, while vitamin A and zinc contribute to vision and immune health. As a hard, aged cheese, it's considered one of the lower-risk cheese options during pregnancy.
Key nutrients
CalciumSupports your baby's bone and teeth development and protects your own bone health.
ProteinProvides essential amino acids for your baby's growth.
ZincSupports immune function and healthy cell development.
Healthy FatsContributes to energy needs and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin ASupports your baby's vision and organ development.
Serving ideas
Grate over cooked pasta dishes
Shave onto salads
Pair with cooked fruit and nuts
Melt into fully cooked risottos
Add to baked casseroles
Enjoy with whole-grain crackers
Safety
Choose pasteurized.
Choose pecorino made from pasteurized sheep's milk, checking labels when possible, though its hard, aged nature already makes it a lower-risk cheese. Store pecorino wrapped in the refrigerator and use within its recommended timeframe. Grate or cut into small pieces to reduce choking risk, especially for young children if sharing meals. Wash hands and utensils after handling to keep the cheese fresh.
Common questions
Is pecorino safe to eat during pregnancy?Yes, as a hard, aged cheese made from pasteurized milk, pecorino is considered a safe choice during pregnancy.
Is pecorino different from parmesan in terms of safety?Both are hard, aged cheeses with similar pregnancy safety profiles, though pecorino is made from sheep's milk and parmesan from cow's milk.
Can I eat pecorino rind during pregnancy?The rind is typically tough and not meant for eating; it's best to remove it before serving.
Did you know?
Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, giving it a sharper, saltier flavor than many cow's milk cheeses.
Its long aging process naturally reduces moisture, which is part of why hard cheeses like pecorino are considered lower risk.
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