Piacentinu Ennese Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Piacentinu Ennese Cheese is a compact sheep-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 Piacentinu Ennese Cheese?
Piacentinu Ennese is a protected designation of origin sheep's milk cheese from the Enna area of Sicily. Saffron grown in the same area colors the paste yellow, and whole black peppercorns are worked into the curd.
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 Piacentinu Ennese Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (Italy), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (Ewe's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (Raw), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (Compact), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (natural, up to 5 mm thick, yellow from saffron), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
- Taste: Piacentinu Ennese Cheese (Strong, characteristic), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Piacentinu Ennese Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Enna | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Ewe's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Compact | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Natural, up to 5 mm thick, yellow from saffron | Grayish natural |
| Aging | Two to four months (semi-aged), Over four months (aged) | — |
| Taste | Strong, characteristic | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Piacentinu Ennese Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Piacentinu Ennese Cheese reads as strong, characteristic, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese offers strong characteristic smell, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese shows saffron and black pepper imparted, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Piacentinu Ennese Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Piacentinu Ennese Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect compact bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese reads as strong, characteristic while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a compact cheese, go with Piacentinu Ennese Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese suits recipes that want strong, characteristic notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Piacentinu Ennese Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Piacentinu Ennese Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Piacentinu Ennese Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Piacentinu Ennese Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Piacentinu Ennese Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Piacentinu Ennese Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Piacentinu Ennese Cheese reads as strong, characteristic, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Piacentinu Ennese Cheese leans strong characteristic smell, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.
What is Piacentinu Ennese Cheese made of?
Piacentinu Ennese Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using artisanal rennet. It's typically aged two to four months (semi-aged), over four months (aged). 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, Piacentinu Ennese Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Piacentinu Ennese Cheese is compact, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.