Armenian String Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Armenian String Cheese?
Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.
What Is Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | — | Grayish natural |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | — |
| Taste | Mild | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
In most recipes, Armenian String Cheese and Tomme Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow, goat, or sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Tomme Cheese is varied.
What is Armenian String Cheese made of?
Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.