Naboulsi Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What Is Tomme Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

• Origin: Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
• Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
• Rind: Naboulsi Cheese (natural), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
• Taste: Naboulsi Cheese (salty), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Naboulsi Cheese offers fresh, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky.

Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.

Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, brined cheese, go with Naboulsi Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese originates in Middle East and Palestine, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Naboulsi Cheese leans fresh, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

What is Tomme Cheese made of?

Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.