Raclette Cheese vs Tomme du Jura Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What Is Tomme du Jura Cheese?
Tomme du Jura is a cow's milk cheese from the Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, sold mostly near where it is made. It is a pressed uncooked wheel with a greyish moldy crust, a paste full of small holes, and a light smell of milk.
What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Tomme du Jura Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Tomme du Jura Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Tomme du Jura Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Tomme du Jura Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Tomme du Jura Cheese (natural, greyish with white molds)
- Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Tomme du Jura Cheese (mild)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Tomme du Jura Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | The Jura Mountains In Franche-Comté, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Washed | Natural, greyish with white molds |
| Aging | 3-4 months | — |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | Mild |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Tomme du Jura Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Tomme du Jura Cheese brings mild character. More specifically, Raclette Cheese shows 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Tomme du Jura Cheese leans toward melts on the tongue, light milky notes.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Tomme du Jura Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Tomme du Jura 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. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Tomme du Jura Cheese brings mild notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Tomme du Jura 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 Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme du Jura Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Tomme du Jura Cheese fits dishes calling for mild.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette Cheese the same as Tomme du Jura Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tomme du Jura Cheese comes from France.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Tomme du Jura Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Tomme du Jura Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Tomme du Jura Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is mild.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Tomme du Jura Cheese made of?
Tomme du Jura Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Tomme du Jura Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Tomme du Jura Cheese is semi-soft.