Ricotta Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Ricotta Cheese is a soft, moist cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk cheesemaking. The fresh curds are creamy white and slightly sweet, and they turn up in cannoli and cheesecakes as readily as in lasagne and ravioli.
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 Ricotta Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Ricotta Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Ricotta Cheese (Whey), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Ricotta Cheese (Fresh), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ricotta Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Whey | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, moist | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | Fresh | About 6 months |
| Taste | Sweet, slightly creamy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Ricotta Cheese at fresh develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Ricotta Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ricotta Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Ricotta Cheese is typically aged fresh, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Ricotta Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. 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, Ricotta Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.