Penamellera Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Penamellera Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Penamellera Cheese?
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
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 Penamellera Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Penamellera Cheese (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Penamellera Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Penamellera Cheese (pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Penamellera Cheese (10 to 15 days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Penamellera Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Asturias, Spain | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 10 to 15 days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Acidic, bitter, herbaceous | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Penamellera Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Penamellera Cheese at 10 to 15 days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Penamellera Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Penamellera Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Penamellera 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 Penamellera Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Penamellera Cheese originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Penamellera Cheese is typically aged 10 to 15 days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Penamellera Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Penamellera Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Penamellera Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Penamellera Cheese made of?
Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 10 to 15 days. 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, Penamellera Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.