Scamorza Cheese vs Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese
Scamorza Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk.
What Is Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
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 Scamorza Cheese and Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
- Milk type: Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk), 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: Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens)
- Rind: Scamorza Cheese (natural), Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese (Orange with hints of white, yellow, or grey; black or gold coating for heat-treated milk cheeses)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Scamorza Cheese | Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy | French Side Of The Pyrenees |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | 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 | Semi-soft | Soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens |
| Rind | Natural | Orange with hints of white, yellow, or grey; black or gold coating for heat-treated milk cheeses |
| Aging | — | 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 Scamorza Cheese Taste Like Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Scamorza Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Scamorza Cheese can stand in for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens.
Which Is Better, Scamorza 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 semi-soft cheese, go with Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese the same as Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Scamorza Cheese similar to Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Scamorza Cheese for Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
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, Scamorza Cheese or Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft, while Tomme des Pyrénées Cheese is soft, melty, creamy, becomes firmer as it ripens.