Tomme Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Tomme Cheese is a semi-soft, creamy cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France and Switzerland, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

What Is Tomme Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Tomme Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Tomme Cheese (Cow's, sheep's or goat's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Tomme Cheese (Semi-soft, creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Tomme Cheese (Varied), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Tomme Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Tomme Cheese reads as varied, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Tomme Cheese offers milky, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Tomme Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Tomme Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Tomme Cheese reads as varied while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Tomme Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, creamy cheese, go with Tomme Cheese. For a semi-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Tomme Cheese suits recipes that want varied notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tomme Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Tomme Cheese originates in France and Switzerland, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Tomme Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Can I substitute Tomme Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Does Tomme Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Tomme Cheese reads as varied, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Tomme Cheese leans milky, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

What is Tomme Cheese made of?

Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.

What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Tomme Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Tomme Cheese is semi-soft, creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.