Parmesan Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Tulum Cheese
Parmesan Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
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What Is Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.
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 Parmesan Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Parmesan Cheese (Cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (Goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmesan Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Minimum 12 months, average 2 years | About 6 months |
| Taste | Salty, savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Parmesan Cheese made of?
Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.
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, Parmesan Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.