Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese vs Tulum Cheese

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Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese is a unctuous and creamy cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.

What Is Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese?

Arzúa-Ulloa is a soft cow's milk cheese from Galicia, Spain, protected as Arzúa-A Ulloa PDO. It is known for a thin yellow rind, a creamy pale paste, and a mild flavor that is slightly sweet and grassy.

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 Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese and Tulum Cheese?

  • Origin: Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
  • Milk type: Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese (Cow's milk (raw or pasteurized)), Tulum Cheese (goat)
  • Milk treatment: Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese (Raw or Pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
  • Aging: Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese (At least 6 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese Tulum Cheese
Country of Origin Spain Turkey
Specific Origin Galicia, Banks Of The Ulla River Turkey
Milk Type Cow's milk (raw or pasteurized) Goat
Milk Treatment Raw or Pasteurized Raw
Texture Unctuous and creamy —
Rind Thin and pliant, smooth —
Aging At least 6 days About 6 months
Taste Slightly salty and pleasantly acidic, buttery and milky with nutty notes —

Taste Comparison: Does Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese at at least 6 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.

Can You Substitute Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Arzúa-Ulloa 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 Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese is typically aged at least 6 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.

Is Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese made of?

Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 days. 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, Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.