Queso de Murcia vs Tulum Cheese
Queso de Murcia is a soft and elastic (fresh) / firm and compact (cured) goat-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Queso de Murcia?
Queso de Murcia is a fatty goat's milk cheese from south-east Spain with Protected Designation of Origin status, made only from Murcian goats in registered herds. It is sold fresh and very white, or cured for at least sixty days until firm.
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 Queso de Murcia and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Queso de Murcia (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Aging: Queso de Murcia (Not aged (fresh) / Minimum 60-120 days (cured)), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queso de Murcia | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Murcia Region | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Goat’s milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft and elastic (fresh) / Firm and compact (cured) | — |
| Rind | None (fresh) / Hard, smooth (cured) | — |
| Aging | Not aged (fresh) / Minimum 60-120 days (cured) | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / Persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured) | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Queso de Murcia Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Queso de Murcia at not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured) develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Queso de Murcia for Tulum Cheese?
In most recipes, Queso de Murcia and Tulum Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Queso de Murcia 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 Queso de Murcia the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Queso de Murcia originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Aging also differs: Queso de Murcia is typically aged not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured), Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Queso de Murcia similar to Tulum Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Queso de Murcia for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Queso de Murcia taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Queso de Murcia made of?
Queso de Murcia is made from goat milk, using animal rennet. It's typically aged not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured). 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, Queso de Murcia or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.