Abondance Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Abondance Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Abondance Cheese?

Abondance is a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese from the Haute-Savoie department of France, named after the commune where it is made. A wheel weighs about 10 kg (22 lb), and the cheese has held AOC status since 1990.

What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.

What's the Difference Between Abondance Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Abondance Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Abondance Cheese (Semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Abondance Cheese (Thin reddish-brown rind), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Abondance Cheese (100 days to 8-12 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Abondance Cheese (Savory, yet fruity with an intense "umami" taste), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Abondance Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Abondance Cheese reads as savory, yet fruity with an intense "umami" taste, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Abondance Cheese shows more "fruity", "animal", "boiled milk", and "hazelnut" flavors noted in cheeses from higher pastures, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Abondance Cheese at 100 days to 8-12 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Abondance Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Abondance Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Abondance Cheese reads as savory, yet fruity with an intense "umami" taste while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Abondance Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Abondance Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Abondance Cheese suits recipes that want savory, yet fruity with an intense "umami" taste notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abondance Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Abondance Cheese is typically aged 100 days to 8-12 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Abondance Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Abondance Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Abondance Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Abondance Cheese reads as savory, yet fruity with an intense "umami" taste, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Abondance Cheese made of?

Abondance Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 100 days to 8-12 months. It originates in France.

What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Abondance Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Abondance Cheese is semi-hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.