Maasdam Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Maasdam Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
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 Maasdam Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Maasdam Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Maasdam Cheese (pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Maasdam Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maasdam Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | The Netherlands | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | — |
| Rind | Smooth, sometimes waxed | — |
| Aging | At least 4 weeks | About 6 months |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Maasdam Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Maasdam Cheese at at least 4 weeks develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Maasdam Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Maasdam Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Maasdam 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 Maasdam Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Maasdam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Maasdam Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Maasdam Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Maasdam Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Maasdam Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
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, Maasdam Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.