Saint-Nectaire Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is a soft and tender cow-milk cheese from France, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (France), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers)), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (At least twenty-eight days), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Saint-Nectaire Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier | Raw |
| Texture | Soft and tender | — |
| Rind | Washed-rind | — |
| Aging | At least twenty-eight days | About 6 months |
| Taste | Delicate hazelnut | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Saint-Nectaire Cheese at at least twenty-eight days develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Saint-Nectaire 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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Saint-Nectaire Cheese originates in France, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Saint-Nectaire Cheese is typically aged at least twenty-eight days, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
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, Saint-Nectaire Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.