Herve Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Herve Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Herve Cheese?

Herve is a Belgian washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the countryside near Liège, where it has been produced since the 15th century. It is known for the powerful smell that Brevibacterium linens gives it after about three months of ripening.

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 Herve Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Herve Cheese (raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Herve Cheese (Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Herve Cheese (washed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Herve Cheese (about 3 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Herve Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Herve Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Herve 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 soft cheese, go with Herve Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herve Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Herve Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Herve Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Herve Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Herve Cheese made of?

Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Belgium.

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, Herve Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.