Taleggio Cheese vs Toma Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
Toma Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Taleggio Cheese and Toma Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Taleggio Cheese and Toma Cheese?"
- "Is Taleggio Cheese and Toma Cheese the same?"
- "How does Taleggio Cheese compare to Toma Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Taleggio Cheese compare to Toma Cheese?"
- "Is Taleggio Cheese or Toma Cheese better?"
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Toma Cheese Overview
Toma is a generic term used across the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions of Italy to describe a family of farmhouse cheeses made from cow's milk. These cheeses can vary but typically have a soft to semi-hard texture and a mild, buttery flavor, making them versatile for both table cheese and melting in dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Taleggio Cheese comes from Italy. Toma Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996). Toma is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Toma Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center". Toma's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Taleggio Cheese's appearance is colored pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , is available in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and is aged at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red and uses calf rennet.
Ranking
Taleggio is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views. Toma is ranked #119 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Taleggio Cheese | Toma Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
Specific Origin | Val Taleggio, Po Valley | Not Specified |
Certification | PDO (1996) | Not Specified |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Heated to 90–95°F | Pasteurized |
Rind | Soft, thin, pinkish-red | Not Specified |
Texture | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center | Semi-hard |
Taste | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour | Not Specified |
Aroma | Herbaceous, aromatic | Not Specified |
Colors | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside | Not Specified |
Forms | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight | Not Specified |
Age | At least 35 (up to 50) days | Not Specified |
Rennet Type | Calf rennet | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center cheese, go for Taleggio. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Toma might be the better pick.