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Tomme smells like ammonia(?)

cheeseLER

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Sep 17, 2025
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Does a Tomme cheese usually smell like ammonia? Just wondering if that strong smell is normal for this kind of cheese.
 
It's not unusual for Tomme cheese to have a faint smell of ammonia as it ages. But if you notice a really strong ammonia scent, that could be a sign of over-ripening or it might not have been stored correctly. If the smell is too intense, the cheese might be past its best
 
Does a Tomme cheese usually smell like ammonia? Just wondering if that strong smell is normal for this kind of cheese.
Yeah, a little whiff of ammonia can be totally normal for a Tomme, especially on the rind. It's a natural byproduct of the aging process. If it's just a mild smell that dissipates after you let the cheese air out a bit at room temperature, you're likely fine. But if the smell is so strong it's pungent or burns your nose, @theagingwheel is right about it being a sign that the cheese is overripe or has been stored improperly, like being suffocated in plastic wrap. Trust your nose and your tastebuds! Like if the ammonia taste comes through and is overpowering, it might be past its prime.
 
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