Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | — |
| Rind | Hard | — |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Umami | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. 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, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.