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Cheddar Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Tomme Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Tomme Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Tomme Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Tomme Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Tomme 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.
Tomme Cheese Overview
Tomme is a type of cheese produced in various regions across France, Switzerland, and Canada, typically made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. It has a round shape and a variable texture that can range from dense and firm to creamy and soft, with a flavor that can be mild or pungent depending on age and production specifics.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Tomme Cheese originated from France and Switzerland.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Tomme Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
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)". Tomme's texture can be described as "creamy, pliable".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Tomme Cheese has a varied taste. Tomme's aroma can be described as "milky".
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 . Tomme Cheese has a color of gray or brownish , comes in bigger and rounder than thick, 6−40 inches diameter, 3−4 inches thick and has an aging period of varies .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Tomme Cheese's rind is described as grayish natural , with varies rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Tomme is ranked #118 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Tomme | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tomme pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Grayish natural |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Creamy, pliable |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Varied |
| Aroma | Varies | Milky |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Gray or brownish |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Bigger and rounder than thick, 6−40 inches diameter, 3−4 inches thick |
| Age | A few months to several years | Varies |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Varies |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a creamy, pliable consistency, Tomme might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tomme offers a varied profile, ideal for different meals.
