Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

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Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis, also sold as Brin d'amour, is a Corsican raw sheep's milk cheese created in the 1950s. Its natural rind is dusted with maquis herbs, which the paste absorbs as it ages.

What Is Tomme Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

What's the Difference Between Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

  • Origin: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
  • Milk type: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
  • Milk treatment: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
  • Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
  • Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
  • Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Fleur du Maquis Cheese Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin France France And Switzerland
Specific Origin Corsica, France France, Switzerland, United States
Milk Type Sheep's milk Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture Semi-soft, artisan Creamy, pliable
Rind Natural, coated in maquis herbs Grayish natural
Aging 1 to 3 months —
Taste Citrusy, mild Varied

Taste Comparison: Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese offers herbal, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky.

Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.

Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Fleur du Maquis Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fleur du Maquis Cheese originates in France, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Fleur du Maquis Cheese leans herbal, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

What is Fleur du Maquis Cheese made of?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 1 to 3 months. 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, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.