Idiazabal Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Idiazabal Cheese?
Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.
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 Idiazabal Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Idiazabal Cheese (60 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Idiazabal Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Basque Country, Navarre | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, slightly elastic | — |
| Rind | Hard, smooth | — |
| Aging | 60 days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Intense, slightly piquant | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Idiazabal Cheese at 60 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Idiazabal 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 Idiazabal Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Idiazabal Cheese is typically aged 60 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?
Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.
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, Idiazabal Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.