Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese?

Afuega'l pitu is an unpasteurized cow's milk cheese from Asturias in northern Spain, sold plain white or paprika red. Its name translates as "strangle the chicken," and it holds Protected Designation of Origin status from Spain and the EU.

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 Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Spain), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Rind: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Fresh to mid-ripened), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese shows sweet or hot spanish paprika in the roxu (red) version, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese at fresh to mid-ripened develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese suits recipes that want lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese originates in Spain, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is typically aged fresh to mid-ripened, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese made of?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using very small amounts of calf rennet. It's typically aged fresh to mid-ripened. It originates in Spain.

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, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.