Kefalotyri Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Kefalotyri Cheese is a hard goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus and Greece, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Kefalotyri Cheese?
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese from Greece and Cyprus, made from sheep milk, goat milk, or both. It is known for grating over pasta and vegetables, and for saganaki, where slices are fried in olive oil.
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 Kefalotyri Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Kefalotyri Cheese (Cyprus and Greece), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Kefalotyri Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Kefalotyri Cheese (pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Kefalotyri Cheese (2 to 3 months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kefalotyri Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus And Greece | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Greece And Cyprus | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Kefalotyri Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Kefalotyri Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Kefalotyri Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Kefalotyri Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Kefalotyri 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 Kefalotyri Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Kefalotyri Cheese originates in Cyprus and Greece, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Kefalotyri Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Kefalotyri Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Kefalotyri Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Kefalotyri Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Kefalotyri Cheese made of?
Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Cyprus and 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, Kefalotyri Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.