Armenian String Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Armenian String Cheese?
Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.
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 Armenian String Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-soft | — |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Armenian String 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 Armenian String Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Armenian String Cheese made of?
Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.
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, Armenian String Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.