San Michali Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
San Michali Cheese is a compact, with very small irregular holes cow-milk cheese from Greece, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: San Michali Cheese (Greece), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: San Michali Cheese (At least four months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| San Michali Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Island Of Syros | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Compact, with very small irregular holes | — |
| Rind | Often covered with paraffin | — |
| Aging | At least four months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Salty, peppery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does San Michali Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. San Michali Cheese at at least four months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute San Michali Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
San Michali Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. San Michali Cheese originates in Greece, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: San Michali Cheese is typically aged at least four months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is San Michali Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute San Michali Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does San Michali Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
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, San Michali Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.