Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie is the AOC version of Camembert, a soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy in northwest France. The rules require raw milk from Normande cows, and each small round is covered by a bloomy white rind.

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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Soft, creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Camembert de Normandie Cheese shows starts with a tangy, sweet flavor, evolving into more pungent notes of mushroom and garlic as it ages. the texture also evolves from somewhat crumbly to satisfyingly sticky and chewy., while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie 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 soft, creamy cheese, go with Camembert de Normandie Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese suits recipes that want young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Camembert de Normandie Cheese made of?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged ~30 days. 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, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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