Herve Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
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 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 Herve Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Herve Cheese (cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Herve Cheese (raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Herve Cheese (washed), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
- Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Herve Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Belgium | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Herve, Province Of Liège, Belgium | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Washed | Grayish natural |
| Aging | About 3 months | — |
| Taste | Smooth, spicy | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Herve Cheese offers pungent, strong, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Herve 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, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Herve 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 Herve Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herve Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Herve Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Herve Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Herve Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Herve Cheese leans pungent, strong, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.
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 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, Herve Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.