Casu marzu Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Casu marzu Cheese?

Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.

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 Casu marzu Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (Sheep's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (Soft, soft-ripened), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Aging: Casu marzu Cheese (3 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Casu marzu Cheese shows mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Casu marzu 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, soft-ripened cheese, go with Casu marzu Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Casu marzu Cheese is typically aged 3 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?

Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.

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, Casu marzu Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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