Castelo Branco Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Castelo Branco Cheese
Tulum Cheese
Castelo Branco Cheese is a semisoft to hard goat and sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
Buy Castelo Branco Cheese
Buy Tulum Cheese
What Is Castelo Branco Cheese?
Castelo Branco is a soft Portuguese cheese made from goat or sheep milk and named after the city of Castelo Branco. It has carried a Protected Designation of Origin since 1996 and runs about 45% fat.
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 Castelo Branco Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Castelo Branco Cheese (Portugal), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Castelo Branco Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Castelo Branco Cheese (At least 90 days (for hard)), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Castelo Branco Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Portugal | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Beira Baixa Province (Central Part Of Portugal) | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Semisoft to hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | At least 90 days (for hard) | About 6 months |
| Taste | Sour, spicy, tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Castelo Branco Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Castelo Branco Cheese at at least 90 days (for hard) develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Castelo Branco Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Castelo Branco 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 Castelo Branco Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Castelo Branco Cheese originates in Portugal, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Castelo Branco Cheese is typically aged at least 90 days (for hard), Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Castelo Branco Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Castelo Branco Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Castelo Branco Cheese made of?
Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (raw), using artichoke thistle enzyme rennet. It's typically aged at least 90 days (for hard). It originates in Portugal.
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, Castelo Branco Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.