Kalathaki Limnou Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is a soft goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese?
Kalathaki Limnou is a fresh brined cheese from the Greek island of Lemnos, made from sheep's milk with up to 30 percent goat's milk. Protected as a PDO since 1996, it is named for the small basket molds that leave their pattern on its surface.
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 Kalathaki Limnou Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Greece), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Pasteurized sheep's milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%)), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Kalathaki Limnou Cheese (Three weeks at 14-18°C, then at least two months at <6°C), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kalathaki Limnou Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Lemnos, Aegean Sea | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Pasteurized sheep's milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%) | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | No external rind | — |
| Aging | Three weeks at 14-18°C, then at least two months at <6°C | About 6 months |
| Taste | Pleasant, slightly acidic | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Kalathaki Limnou Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Kalathaki Limnou Cheese at three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Kalathaki Limnou Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Kalathaki Limnou Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Kalathaki Limnou 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 Kalathaki Limnou Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Kalathaki Limnou Cheese originates in Greece, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is typically aged three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Kalathaki Limnou Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Kalathaki Limnou Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Kalathaki Limnou Cheese made of?
Kalathaki Limnou Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three weeks at 14-18°c, then at least two months at <6°c. It originates in Greece.
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, Kalathaki Limnou Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.