Anari Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Anari Cheese?
Anari is a fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, made mostly from the whey left over from halloumi or kefalotyri. Soft and chalk-white when young, it is eaten with carob syrup or honey, or salted and dried into a hard cheese for grating.
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 Anari Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Anari Cheese (Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Anari Cheese (Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly curds | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) | About 6 months |
| Taste | Very mild nutty flavor | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Anari Cheese at fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Anari 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 Anari Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Anari Cheese is typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months), Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Anari Cheese made of?
Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (gradually heated to 149–158°f, then to 194°f). It's typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months). It originates in Cyprus.
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, Anari Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.