Tomme cheese is a category of small, round cheeses primarily from the French Alps and Switzerland.Often made from skimmed cow’s milk, it’s generally low in fat. You’ll find many varieties named after their origin, like the popular Tomme de Savoie.
Did you know that there are over 400 different types of Tomme cheese? That’s a lot of cheese! Tomme cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the French Alps and Switzerland. It’s made from cow’s milk, and it’s known for its smooth, creamy texture and its slightly nutty flavor.
Tomme cheese is a category of cheese, rather than a single type. This means that there are many different types of Tomme cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types of Tomme cheese include Tomme de Savoie, Tomme de Bauges, and Tomme de Thones.
Tomme cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be eaten on its own, or it can be used in cooking.
Tomme cheese is a popular ingredient in French and Swiss cuisine, and it’s often used in dishes such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette.
If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile cheese, then Tomme cheese is a great option. With so many different types to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you love. So, let’s explore the world of Tomme cheese.
What Exactly is Tomme Cheese?
The name “Tomme” comes from the word “toma,” which in a local language from the Alps just means “cheese made in the mountains.” It’s like calling it “mountain cheese”! These cheeses are often shaped like a wheel, kind of flat and round, which might also be part of why they’re called “Tomme.”
Traditionally, Tomme cheese was a clever way to use up leftover skimmed milk. After farmers took the cream off the milk to make butter and richer cheeses, they didn’t want to waste the rest. So, they used the skimmed milk to make Tomme, which is why it’s usually lower in fat.
Tomme cheese can be made from different kinds of milk, not just cow’s milk. You might find Tomme made with goat’s milk or sheep’s milk too, and each type of milk gives the cheese a slightly different taste and feel.
What’s really cool is that Tomme cheeses are often named after the place they come from. It’s like saying “this cheese is from this valley” or “this cheese is from that mountain.” For example, one of the most famous is “Tomme de Savoie,” which tells you it’s from the Savoie region in the French Alps.
This helps people know where their cheese is from and what kind of local flavors it might have.
A Journey Through Tomme Varieties
You know how there are different kinds of apples, like sweet and tart ones? Well, it’s kind of the same with Tomme cheese. Because it’s made in different places, it can have all sorts of interesting flavors and textures. Let’s check out some cool examples:
Tomme de Savoie
Imagine yourself in the beautiful French Alps. That’s where this popular Tomme comes from! It’s usually got a pretty mild flavor, maybe a little bit grassy or nutty, and it feels semi-firm when you bite into it. It’s a classic!
Other French Tommes
France is like a playground for Tomme cheese lovers! You might stumble upon other kinds like:
Tomme Boudane
Sometimes this one has a layer of ash in the middle, which gives it a unique look and a slightly different taste.
Tomme au Fenouil
As the name suggests, this Tomme has fennel added to it, giving it a lovely anise (licorice-like) flavor.
There are tons more, each with its own little twist depending on where it’s made and what the cheesemakers do!
Swiss Tommes
Don’t forget about Switzerland, France’s neighbor in the Alps. They also make some yummy Tomme-style cheeses. You might find some that are a bit bolder in flavor or have a slightly different texture than their French cousins.
Tomme-Style Cheeses Beyond Europe
Guess what? People in other parts of the world, like America, have also started making cheeses inspired by the French Tomme.
They might put their own spin on things, using local milk and adding their own special touches. So, you might find some really interesting Tomme-style cheeses made right here!
The Taste and Texture of Tomme Cheese
Generally, when you take a bite of Tomme, you might notice some earthy flavors, like you’re getting a little taste of the ground where the cows or goats grazed. It’s also often milky and buttery, making it feel nice and smooth in your mouth.
But here’s a cool thing: just like people change as they get older, so does Tomme cheese!
Younger Tomme
If the Tomme is younger, it’s usually going to be milder and maybe taste a bit more like fresh milk.
Older Tomme
If it’s been aged for a bit longer, the flavors can get stronger and more interesting. You might notice those earthy or nutty notes even more.
Milk Matters
Remember how we talked about different kinds of milk? Well, if it’s made with goat’s milk, it might have a tangier taste than one made with cow’s milk. Sheep’s milk Tomme can be richer and a little bit sweet.
Now, let’s talk about how it feels! Most Tomme cheeses are semi-soft, meaning they’re not super hard like cheddar, but they’re not super squishy like brie either. Some can even be a little firmer. Sometimes, you might see tiny little holes inside, which cheesemakers call “eyes.” They’re perfectly normal and just part of the cheese!
And you know that outer layer on the cheese? That’s called the rind, and it’s natural. It’s often grayish-brown and sometimes even a little bit fuzzy! Don’t be scared by the fuzz – it’s usually safe to eat, but some people prefer to cut it off. The rind actually helps the cheese age and can add to its flavor.
So, when you try Tomme cheese, think about those earthy, milky, and buttery tastes, how old it is, what kind of milk it’s made from, and that interesting rind! It’s a whole experience for your taste buds!
How to Enjoy and Use Tomme Cheese
Now for the best part – eating and enjoying Tomme cheese! Get ready for some yummy ideas on how you can make the most of this tasty cheese.
First off, you’ll want to take your Tomme out of the fridge a little while before you plan to eat it. Letting it come to room temperature really helps bring out all those lovely flavors we talked about.
When it’s ready, there are tons of ways you can enjoy it:
Keep it Simple
Sometimes the best way is to just slice it up and eat it on its own!
Fruity Fun
Try pairing it with some fresh fruit like apples, pears, or grapes. The sweetness of the fruit goes really well with the cheese.
Nutty Nibbles
Add some nuts like walnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch and a different flavor.
Bread Buddies
A nice slice of crusty bread or some crackers are perfect for putting Tomme on.
Want to take your Tomme experience to the next level? Here are some tasty pairings:
Sweet Treats
A drizzle of honey or a dollop of fig jam can make the flavors of the Tomme really pop.
Meaty Matches
If you like charcuterie (fancy deli meats), Tomme can be a great partner to things like salami or prosciutto.
And what about drinks? Here are some ideas for what to sip while you’re enjoying your Tomme:
Wine Time
Light red wines, like Beaujolais, or dry white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, can be really nice with Tomme.
Beer Bliss
Some lighter beers, like a crisp saison or a pale ale, can also be a good match.
But wait, there’s more! You can also cook with Tomme! It melts nicely, so you can use it in all sorts of dishes:
Get Gratin-ated
Imagine a cheesy potato gratin with melted Tomme on top – yum!
Super Sandwiches
Add slices of Tomme to your grilled cheese or other sandwiches for extra flavor.
Salad Sensation
Crumble some Tomme over a salad for a creamy and flavorful addition.
So, whether you’re enjoying it simply or using it in a recipe, Tomme cheese is a versatile and delicious treat! Have fun experimenting with all the different ways you can enjoy it!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Tomme cheese is a fantastic cheese with a cool history, a range of yummy flavors – often earthy, milky, and buttery – and a texture that’s just right.
What makes it extra fun is trying the different kinds, each with its own little twist depending on where it comes from.
We totally encourage you to go on a Tomme adventure and see which one becomes your absolute favorite! Have you tried Tomme before? Share your cheesy experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear about them.
