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Cheddar Cheese vs Toma Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Toma Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Toma Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Toma Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Toma Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Toma Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Toma Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Toma Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Toma Cheese Overview
Toma is a generic term used across the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions of Italy to describe a family of farmhouse cheeses made from cow's milk. These cheeses can vary but typically have a soft to semi-hard texture and a mild, buttery flavor, making them versatile for both table cheese and melting in dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Toma Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Toma Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Toma's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Toma is ranked #114 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Toma | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Toma pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Toma Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Toma might be the better pick.
