Ossau-Iraty Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is a homogeneous, uncooked, pressed sheep-milk cheese from France, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ossau-Iraty Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed | — |
| Rind | Natural, smooth, orange to gray | — |
| Aging | Minimum 80-120 days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ossau-Iraty 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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ossau-Iraty Cheese originates in France, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Ossau-Iraty Cheese is typically aged minimum 80-120 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
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, Ossau-Iraty Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.