Beyaz Peynir Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Beyaz Peynir Cheese is a semi-soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Turkey, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese?

Beyaz peynir is a Turkish white cheese made from unpasteurized sheep, cow or goat milk and cured in brine for about six months. It turns up plain at breakfast, in salads, and in cooked dishes such as menemen, börek and pide.

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 Beyaz Peynir Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (Turkey), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (Sheep's, cow's or goat's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (Semi-soft, brined), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Aging: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (about 6 months in brine), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (strong when matured), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Beyaz Peynir Cheese at about 6 months in brine develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Beyaz Peynir 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-soft, brined cheese, go with Beyaz Peynir Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese suits recipes that want strong when matured notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beyaz Peynir Cheese originates in Turkey, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Beyaz Peynir Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Beyaz Peynir Cheese is typically aged about 6 months in brine, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Beyaz Peynir Cheese made of?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (unpasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It's typically aged about 6 months in brine. It originates in Turkey.

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, Beyaz Peynir Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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