Limburger Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Limburger Cheese?

Limburger is a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the Herve area of the old Duchy of Limburg, now part of Belgium. It is known for the powerful smell it develops 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 Limburger Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Limburger Cheese (Belgium), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Limburger Cheese (raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Limburger Cheese (Soft, spreadable, washed-rind), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Limburger Cheese (Sticky, orange-brown), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Limburger Cheese (3 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Limburger Cheese (Meaty, farmyard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Limburger Cheese reads as meaty, farmyard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Limburger Cheese shows created in the 1800s by belgian trappist monks and renowned for its pungent odor, limburger cheese evolves from firm and crumbly to exceptionally creamy and stinky over three months. the odor, akin to smelly feet, is due to brevibacterium linens used in the brine wash. now predominantly produced in germany, with a significant historical presence in the american midwest, particularly wisconsin. traditionally served with dark bread, brown mustard, onion slices, and beer. despite its notoriety for its distinctive smell, limburger remains a famous washed-rind cheese, enjoyed in sandwiches or with boiled potatoes and butter., while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Limburger Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Limburger Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Limburger 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, spreadable, washed-rind bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Limburger Cheese reads as meaty, farmyard while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Limburger Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Is Limburger Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Limburger Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Limburger Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Limburger Cheese reads as meaty, farmyard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Limburger Cheese made of?

Limburger Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 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, Limburger Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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