Scamorza Cheese vs Tourmalet Cheese

Q: Is Scamorza Cheese the same as Tourmalet Cheese?

No. Scamorza Cheese and Tourmalet Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Scamorza Cheese for Tourmalet Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Scamorza Cheese for Tourmalet Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Scamorza Cheese taste like Tourmalet Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Scamorza Cheese or Tourmalet Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Scamorza Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tourmalet Cheese is semi-hard, processed and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Tourmalet Cheese?

Tourmalet is a semi-hard cheese from the Pyrenees region in France, made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It features a nutty flavor and has a musty aroma that reflects its traditional methods of production. The cheese has a pale yellow color and is processed without a rind, giving it a smooth exterior. With a fat content of 50%, Tourmalet offers a rich and creamy texture that is both satisfying and approachable. Its flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for cheese boards or as an addition to various dishes.

What's the Difference Between Scamorza Cheese and Tourmalet Cheese?

Origin: Scamorza Cheese (Italy), Tourmalet Cheese (France)
Milk type: Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk), Tourmalet Cheese (sheep's milk)
Texture: Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft), Tourmalet Cheese (semi-hard, processed)
Rind: Scamorza Cheese (natural), Tourmalet Cheese (rindless)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Scamorza Cheese	Tourmalet Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy	Pyrenees
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Unpasteurized
Texture	Semi-soft	Semi-hard, processed
Rind	Natural	Rindless
Taste	—	Nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Scamorza Cheese Taste Like Tourmalet Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Scamorza Cheese for Tourmalet Cheese?

Scamorza Cheese can stand in for Tourmalet 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 semi-hard, processed.

Which Is Better, Scamorza Cheese or Tourmalet 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 semi-hard, processed profile, Tourmalet Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scamorza Cheese the same as Tourmalet Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Scamorza Cheese originates in Italy, while Tourmalet Cheese comes from France. Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk; Tourmalet Cheese uses sheep.

Is Scamorza Cheese similar to Tourmalet Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Scamorza Cheese for Tourmalet Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Scamorza Cheese taste like Tourmalet 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 Tourmalet Cheese made of?

Tourmalet Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Scamorza Cheese or Tourmalet Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft, while Tourmalet Cheese is semi-hard, processed.