Raclette Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
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 Raclette Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Raclette Cheese (3-4 months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | — |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | 3-4 months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Raclette Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Raclette Cheese is typically aged 3-4 months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
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, Raclette Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.