Queijo São Jorge vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Queijo São Jorge is a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Portugal, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

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 Queijo São Jorge and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Queijo São Jorge (Portugal), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Queijo São Jorge (Raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Queijo São Jorge (Natural), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Queijo São Jorge Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Queijo São Jorge reads as peppery, grassy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Queijo São Jorge shows mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged), while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Queijo São Jorge for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Queijo São Jorge and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm consistency, hard or semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Queijo São Jorge reads as peppery, grassy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Queijo São Jorge or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard cheese, go with Queijo São Jorge. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Queijo São Jorge suits recipes that want peppery, grassy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queijo São Jorge the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo São Jorge originates in Portugal, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Queijo São Jorge is typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Queijo São Jorge similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Queijo São Jorge for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Queijo São Jorge taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Queijo São Jorge reads as peppery, grassy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

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, Queijo São Jorge or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.