Romano Cheese vs Tulum Cheese

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Romano Cheese is a hard cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.

What Is Romano Cheese?

Romano is the North American name for a class of hard, salty cheese made mainly for grating, from cow, goat and/or sheep's milk. It imitates Italian pecorino romano and must hold at least 38% milkfat and under 34% water.

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 Romano Cheese and Tulum Cheese?

  • Origin: Romano Cheese (Italy), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
  • Milk type: Romano Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
  • Milk treatment: Romano Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Romano Cheese Tulum Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Turkey
Specific Origin The U.S. And Canada Turkey
Milk Type Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk Goat
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Raw
Texture Hard —
Rind Natural —
Aging — About 6 months
Taste Mild, sharp, tangy —

Taste Comparison: Does Romano Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Romano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

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, 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 Romano Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Romano Cheese originates in Italy, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Romano Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat.

Is Romano Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Romano Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

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

Does 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 Romano Cheese made of?

Romano Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using rennet not required; any suitable milk-clotting enzym rennet. 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, Romano Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

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