Tomme facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tomme |
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Country of origin | France |
Source of milk | Cows/Goats/Sheep |
Pasteurised | no |
Texture | Hard |
Tomme (pronounced "tom") is a special kind of cheese. It's a general name for many cheeses made mostly in the French Alps and in Switzerland. Tomme cheese can be made from milk from cows, sheep, or goats.
Most Tomme cheeses are made from milk that has had the cream removed. This cream is often used to make butter or richer cheeses. Because of this, Tomme cheeses are usually low in fat. However, some types, like Tomme de Boudane, can have more fat. People have been making Tomme cheeses for a very long time, even in ancient history.
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What is Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a type of cheese that is often made in mountain regions. It's known for its firm texture. The name "Tomme" doesn't refer to just one cheese. Instead, it's a group of cheeses that share similar ways of being made. These cheeses are usually round and have a natural rind.
Where Does Tomme Come From?
Tomme cheeses are mainly produced in the beautiful Alps mountains. This area stretches across parts of France and Switzerland. The unique climate and traditional farming methods in these regions help give Tomme its special taste. Many Tomme cheeses are named after the specific place they come from.
Different Kinds of Tomme
There are many different kinds of Tomme cheese. Each kind often gets its name from the place where it's made. The most well-known type is Tomme de Savoie, which comes from the Savoie region in France.
Other popular Tomme varieties include Tomme Boudane and Tomme du Revard. Sometimes, you might hear the term "Tomme de Montagne." This is a general name for Tomme cheeses made high up in the mountains. In Italy, there's a similar cheese called Toma or Tuma. It's usually made from cow's milk.
How Tomme is Used
Tomme cheese is not just for eating on its own. It's also a key ingredient in a traditional French dish called aligot. Aligot is a tasty dish from the Auvergne region of France. It mixes melted cheese with mashed potatoes. Tomme cheese helps make aligot creamy and delicious.