Pljevlja Cheese vs Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese is a soft to semihard cow or sheep-milk cheese from Montenegro, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk.
What Is Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What Is Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Tomme des Pyrénées is a mild pressed cheese from the French Pyrenees, made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its supple paste, slightly salty taste, and the black or gold wax skin that covers many wheels.
What's the Difference Between Pljevlja Cheese and Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
- Milk type: Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Cow's milk, goat's milk, mixed milk (cow's milk with ewe's milk or goat's milk, goat's milk with ewe's milk))
- Texture: Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens)
- Aging: Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pljevlja Cheese | Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Montenegro | — |
| Specific Origin | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja | French Side Of The Pyrenees |
| Milk Type | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed | Cow's milk, goat's milk, mixed milk (cow's milk with ewe's milk or goat's milk, goat's milk with ewe's milk) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Heat-treated or raw |
| Texture | Soft to semihard | Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens |
| Rind | — | Orange with hints of white, yellow, or grey; black or gold coating for heat-treated milk cheeses |
| Aging | 4 to 8 weeks | Minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type |
| Taste | — | Varies from fresh whey aromas to more pronounced aromas |
Taste Comparison: Does Pljevlja Cheese Taste Like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks develops a different profile than Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese at minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.
Can You Substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Pljevlja Cheese can stand in for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft to semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens.
Which Is Better, Pljevlja Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to semihard cheese, go with Pljevlja Cheese. For a soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens profile, Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Pljevlja Cheese is typically aged 4 to 8 weeks, Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.
Is Pljevlja Cheese similar to Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
What is Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese made of?
Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (heat-treated or raw), using coagulating enzyme (not limited to animal rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum ripening period varies from 21 to 90 days depending on weight and milk type.
Which should I choose, Pljevlja Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens.