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.

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Toma Cheese to Other Cheeses

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