Pecorino Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Taste | — | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Pecorino Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan.
Which Is Better, Pecorino 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 hard cheese, go with Pecorino Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Pecorino Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.