Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Tomme Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
What Is Tomme Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Hard | Grayish natural |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | — |
| Taste | Umami | Varied |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila | — |
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Where to buy Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Tomme Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
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, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.
See full profiles: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tomme Cheese.