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Mahón-Menorca Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Mahón-Menorca Cheese
Tomme Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Tomme Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Tomme Cheese?"
- "Is Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Tomme Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mahón-Menorca Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mahón-Menorca Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese?"
- "Is Mahón-Menorca Cheese or Tomme Cheese better?"
Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview
Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.
Tomme Cheese Overview
Tomme is a type of cheese produced in various regions across France, Switzerland, and Canada, typically made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. It has a round shape and a variable texture that can range from dense and firm to creamy and soft, with a flavor that can be mild or pungent depending on age and production specifics.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Mahón-Menorca Cheese comes from Spain. Tomme Cheese originated from France and Switzerland.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985). Tomme is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw. Tomme Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm". Tomme's texture can be described as "creamy, pliable".
Taste and Aroma
Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery". Tomme Cheese has a varied taste. Tomme's aroma can be described as "milky".
Appearance and Aging
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's appearance is colored ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , is available in parallelepiped shape and is aged tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months . Tomme Cheese has a color of gray or brownish , comes in bigger and rounder than thick, 6−40 inches diameter, 3−4 inches thick and has an aging period of varies .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish and uses vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet. Tomme Cheese's rind is described as grayish natural , with varies rennet.
Ranking
Mahón-Menorca is ranked #217 out of 996 types based on community views. Tomme is ranked #118 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mahón-Menorca Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Menorca, Balearic Islands | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Certification | PDO (1996), PDO (1985) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Friesian, Menorcan, Brown Alpine cow’s milk, some ewe’s milk (max 5%) | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw or any authorized preservation technology | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Rind | Characteristic orangish | Grayish natural |
| Texture | Firm | Creamy, pliable |
| Taste | Salty and spicy | Varied |
| Aroma | Lactic, buttery | Milky |
| Colors | Ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray | Gray or brownish |
| Forms | Parallelepiped shape | Bigger and rounder than thick, 6−40 inches diameter, 3−4 inches thick |
| Age | Tender: 21-60 days, Semi-cured: 2-5 months, Vintage: >5 months | Varies |
| Rennet Type | Vegetable (Cynara cardunculus) | Varies |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a firm cheese, go for Mahón-Menorca. But if you enjoy a creamy, pliable consistency, Tomme might be the better pick. Mahón-Menorca has a salty and spicy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tomme offers a varied profile, ideal for different meals.
