American Gruyere Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
American Gruyere Cheese is a semi-firm cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is American Gruyere Cheese?
American Gruyere is a Gruyere-style cheese made in the United States, with Wisconsin producing the most of it. A U.S. court ruled in 2021 that gruyere is a generic cheese name, which leaves American makers free to use it.
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 American Gruyere Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: American Gruyere Cheese (United States), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: American Gruyere Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: American Gruyere Cheese (Pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: American Gruyere Cheese (Typically 3-6 months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Gruyere Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin, The U.S. | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-Firm | — |
| Rind | Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed | — |
| Aging | Typically 3-6 months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does American Gruyere Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. American Gruyere Cheese at typically 3-6 months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute American Gruyere Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
American Gruyere Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, American Gruyere 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 American Gruyere Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Gruyere Cheese originates in United States, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. American Gruyere Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: American Gruyere Cheese is typically aged typically 3-6 months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is American Gruyere Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute American Gruyere Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does American Gruyere Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is American Gruyere Cheese made of?
American Gruyere Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 3-6 months. It originates in United States.
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, American Gruyere Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.