Caciocavallo Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Caciocavallo Cheese is a firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Caciocavallo Cheese?
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made with sheep's or cow's milk and shaped like a teardrop. It has a hard edible rind and tastes much like the aged provolone of the same region.
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 Caciocavallo Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Caciocavallo Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Caciocavallo Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Caciocavallo Cheese (2 to 12 months, up to 5 years), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Caciocavallo Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Apennine Mountain Range | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly | — |
| Rind | Smooth, thickens with age | — |
| Aging | 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years | About 6 months |
| Taste | Slightly sweet to sharp, piquant, complex | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Caciocavallo Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Caciocavallo Cheese at 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Caciocavallo Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Caciocavallo 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 Caciocavallo Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Caciocavallo Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Caciocavallo Cheese is typically aged 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Caciocavallo Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Caciocavallo Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Caciocavallo Cheese made of?
Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years. It originates in Italy.
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, Caciocavallo Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.