Monterey Jack Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese is a mild to firm cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.
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 Monterey Jack Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Monterey Jack Cheese (United States), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Monterey Jack Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Monterey Jack Cheese (pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Monterey County, California | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Mild to firm | — |
| Aging | Six weeks to ten months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild to full-flavored | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Monterey Jack Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Monterey Jack Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Monterey Jack 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 Monterey Jack Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Monterey Jack Cheese originates in United States, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Monterey Jack Cheese is typically aged six weeks to ten months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Monterey Jack Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Monterey Jack Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?
Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten 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, Monterey Jack Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.