Pérail Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Pérail Cheese
Tomme Cheese
Pérail Cheese is a soft sheep-milk cheese from France, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
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 Pérail Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Pérail Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Pérail Cheese (sheep), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Pérail Cheese (soft), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Pérail Cheese (wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
- Taste: Pérail Cheese (distinctly sheepy in older cheeses), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pérail Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Aveyron, France | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum | Grayish natural |
| Aging | 2 to 8 weeks | — |
| Taste | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Pérail Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Pérail Cheese reads as distinctly sheepy in older cheeses, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character.
Can You Substitute Pérail Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Pérail Cheese can stand in for Tomme 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 creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Pérail Cheese reads as distinctly sheepy in older cheeses while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Pérail Cheese or Tomme 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 Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pérail Cheese suits recipes that want distinctly sheepy in older cheeses notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pérail Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pérail Cheese originates in France, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Pérail Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pérail Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pérail Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Pérail Cheese reads as distinctly sheepy in older cheeses, while Tomme Cheese is varied.
What is Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
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, Pérail Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pérail Cheese is soft, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.