Formaggio di fossa Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Formaggio di fossa Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Formaggio di fossa Cheese is a semi-hard, crumbly cow or sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
Buy Formaggio di fossa Cheese
Buy Tomme de Savoie Cheese
What Is Formaggio di fossa Cheese?
Formaggio di fossa is an Italian cheese from Sogliano al Rubicone in Emilia-Romagna, matured 80 to 100 days in sealed tufa pits. The airless burial gives it a sharp, herbaceous taste and a nearly rindless surface that molds readily.
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 Formaggio di fossa Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Cow's or sheep's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Raw or Pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
- Rind: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Minimal or none), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (80 to 100 days in the pit), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: Formaggio di fossa Cheese (Bitter to spicy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Formaggio di fossa Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Sogliano Al Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw or Pasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, crumbly | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Minimal or none | Natural |
| Aging | 80 to 100 days in the pit | Several months |
| Taste | Bitter to spicy | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Formaggio di fossa Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Formaggio di fossa Cheese reads as bitter to spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Formaggio di fossa Cheese shows brush, truffle, sweet, buttery, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Formaggio di fossa Cheese at 80 to 100 days in the pit develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute Formaggio di fossa Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Formaggio di fossa Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di fossa Cheese reads as bitter to spicy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Formaggio di fossa 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 semi-hard, crumbly cheese, go with Formaggio di fossa Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di fossa Cheese suits recipes that want bitter to spicy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formaggio di fossa Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Formaggio di fossa Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Formaggio di fossa Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Formaggio di fossa Cheese is typically aged 80 to 100 days in the pit, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is Formaggio di fossa Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Formaggio di fossa Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Formaggio di fossa Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Formaggio di fossa Cheese reads as bitter to spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Formaggio di fossa Cheese made of?
Formaggio di fossa Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 80 to 100 days in the pit. 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, Formaggio di fossa Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Formaggio di fossa Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.