L'Etivaz Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 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 L'Etivaz Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: L'Etivaz Cheese (hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Aging: L'Etivaz Cheese (5 to 13 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Vaud, Switzerland | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | 5 to 13 months | Several months |
| Taste | Fruity, slightly nutty | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does L'Etivaz Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, L'Etivaz Cheese shows creamier and less sharp than antique gruyère, smooth, salty, varying with the pasture soil, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. L'Etivaz Cheese at 5 to 13 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, L'Etivaz Cheese and Tomme de Savoie 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-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, L'Etivaz 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 hard cheese, go with L'Etivaz Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, L'Etivaz Cheese suits recipes that want fruity, slightly nutty notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Etivaz Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. L'Etivaz Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: L'Etivaz Cheese is typically aged 5 to 13 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is L'Etivaz Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does L'Etivaz Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
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 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, L'Etivaz Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. L'Etivaz Cheese is hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.