Figue Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
What Is Tomme Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Figue Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
- Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Figue Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Provence | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Natural | Grayish natural |
| Taste | Full-flavored, sour | Varied |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Figue Cheese and Tomme Cheese
Figue Cheese
Tomme Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky.
Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Figue Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Figue Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figue Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Figue Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Figue Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Figue Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.
See full profiles: Figue Cheese and Tomme Cheese.