Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
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 Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (France), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | — |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | — |
| Aging | At least 10 days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
In most recipes, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Tulum Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol 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 Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese originates in France, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
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, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.