L'Etivaz Cheese vs Toma Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Toma Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What Is Toma Cheese?
Toma is a soft to semi-hard Italian cow's milk cheese from the Aosta Valley and Piedmont. It melts exceptionally well, and its Piedmontese version, toma piemontese, carries PDO status under EU law.
What's the Difference Between L'Etivaz Cheese and Toma Cheese?
- Origin: L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland), Toma Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized), Toma Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: L'Etivaz Cheese (hard), Toma Cheese (semi-hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Toma Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Vaud, Switzerland | Aosta Valley And Piedmont, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard |
| Aging | 5 to 13 months | — |
| Taste | Fruity, slightly nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does L'Etivaz Cheese Taste Like Toma Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Toma Cheese?
In most recipes, L'Etivaz Cheese and Toma Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard.
Which Is Better, L'Etivaz Cheese or Toma Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with L'Etivaz Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Toma Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Etivaz Cheese the same as Toma Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. L'Etivaz Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Toma Cheese comes from Italy.
Is L'Etivaz Cheese similar to Toma Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Toma Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does L'Etivaz Cheese taste like Toma Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Toma Cheese made of?
Toma Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, L'Etivaz Cheese or Toma Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. L'Etivaz Cheese is hard, while Toma Cheese is semi-hard.