Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.
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 Pecorino Romano Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Pecorino Romano Cheese (5–8 months or longer), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Romano Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | — |
| Rind | Pale yellow to brown or black | — |
| Aging | 5–8 months or longer | About 6 months |
| Taste | Sharp, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Romano Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Romano Cheese at 5–8 months or longer develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Pecorino Romano Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Romano 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 Pecorino Romano Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Romano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Pecorino Romano Cheese is typically aged 5–8 months or longer, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Pecorino Romano Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Romano Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. 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, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.