Casu marzu Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.
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 Casu marzu Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Casu marzu Cheese (3 months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 3 months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu 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 Casu marzu Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Casu marzu Cheese is typically aged 3 months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. 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, Casu marzu Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.