Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese?
Afuega'l pitu is an unpasteurized cow's milk cheese from Asturias in northern Spain, sold plain white or paprika red. Its name translates as "strangle the chicken," and it holds Protected Designation of Origin status from Spain and the EU.
What Is Tulum Cheese?
Tulum is a Turkish goat's milk cheese ripened inside a goatskin casing, which is what the word tulum means in Turkish. It is made in several regions, and versions from Erzincan, İzmir, Divle, Çimi and Kargı each taste different.
What's the Difference Between Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Fresh to mid-ripened), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Afuega'l Pitu Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging | — |
| Rind | White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses | — |
| Aging | Fresh to mid-ripened | About 6 months |
| Taste | Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese at fresh to mid-ripened develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is typically aged fresh to mid-ripened, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese made of?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using very small amounts of calf rennet. It's typically aged fresh to mid-ripened. It originates in Spain.
What is Tulum Cheese made of?
Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged about 6 months. It originates in Turkey.
Which should I choose, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.