Provolone Cheese vs Tulum Cheese

Q: Is Provolone Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No. Provolone Cheese and Tulum Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Turkey respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Provolone Cheese for Tulum Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Provolone Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.

What Is Provolone Cheese?

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.

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 Provolone Cheese and Tulum Cheese?

Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
Milk type: Provolone Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Provolone Cheese	Tulum Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Turkey
Specific Origin	Campania, Italy	Turkey
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	Semi-hard, artisan	—
Aging	At least 4 months for piccante	About 6 months
Taste	Tangy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.

Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

Provolone Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.

Is Provolone Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Provolone Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. 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, Provolone Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.