Pérail de Brebis Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Pérail de Brebis Cheese is a soft sheep-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

Pérail de Brebis is a traditional French cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has a soft and creamy texture, making it an artisan favorite. The cheese offers a full-flavored and strong taste, characteristic of sheep's milk cheeses. Its aroma is notably goaty, adding to its bold profile. The cheese has a pale yellow color, indicative of its creamy composition. Known also as Perail or Pérail, this cheese is enjoyed for its rich and assertive taste.

What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.

What's the Difference Between Pérail de Brebis Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk type: Pérail de Brebis Cheese (Sheep's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Pérail de Brebis Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Pérail de Brebis Cheese (Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Taste: Pérail de Brebis Cheese (full-flavored, strong), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Pérail de Brebis Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Pérail de Brebis Cheese reads as full-flavored, strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.

Can You Substitute Pérail de Brebis Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Pérail de Brebis Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Pérail de Brebis Cheese reads as full-flavored, strong while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Pérail de Brebis 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 soft cheese, go with Pérail de Brebis Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pérail de Brebis Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, strong notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pérail de Brebis Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pérail de Brebis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow.

Is Pérail de Brebis Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pérail de Brebis Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Pérail de Brebis Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Pérail de Brebis Cheese reads as full-flavored, strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Pérail de Brebis Cheese made of?

Pérail de Brebis Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Pérail de Brebis Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pérail de Brebis Cheese is soft, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.