Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Raclette du Valais Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
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 Raclette du Valais Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette du Valais Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Canton Of Valais | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk, Eringer breed | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker | Several months |
| Taste | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette du Valais Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Raclette du Valais Cheese shows 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter', while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette du Valais Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette du Valais 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 semisoft, smooth cheese, go with Raclette du Valais Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette du Valais Cheese suits recipes that want 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette du Valais Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Raclette du Valais Cheese is typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette du Valais Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
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, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.