Munster Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Munster Cheese

Tomme Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Munster Cheese and Tomme Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Munster Cheese and Tomme Cheese?"
  • "Is Munster Cheese and Tomme Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Munster Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Munster Cheese compare to Tomme Cheese?"
  • "Is Munster Cheese or Tomme Cheese better?"

Munster Cheese Overview

Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.

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

Munster Cheese comes from France. 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. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969). Tomme is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Tomme Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Tomme's texture can be described as "creamy, pliable".

Taste and Aroma

Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Tomme Cheese has a varied taste. Tomme's aroma can be described as "milky".

Appearance and Aging

Munster Cheese's appearance is colored orangey-pink to orange-red , is available in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and is aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 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

Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Tomme Cheese's rind is described as grayish natural , with varies rennet.

Ranking

Munster is ranked #46 out of 996 types based on community views. Tomme is ranked #98 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Munster Tomme
Best Pairings German Riesling, Riesling No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Belgian Blonde No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Tomme pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Munster Cheese Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin France France And Switzerland
Specific Origin Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté France, Switzerland, United States
Certification AOC (1969) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Fat Content 45-48% Not Specified
Rind Washed, saltwater solution Grayish natural
Texture Semisoft Creamy, pliable
Taste Strong, gamey Varied
Aroma Gamey, aromatic Milky
Colors Orangey-pink to orange-red Gray or brownish
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter Bigger and rounder than thick, 6−40 inches diameter, 3−4 inches thick
Age 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months Varies
Rennet Type Traditional rennet Varies

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft cheese, go for Munster. But if you enjoy a creamy, pliable consistency, Tomme might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tomme offers a varied profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Tomme Cheese to Other Cheeses

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