Queijo São Jorge vs Tulum Cheese
Queijo São Jorge is a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Portugal, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Queijo São Jorge?
Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.
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 Queijo São Jorge and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Queijo São Jorge (Portugal), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Queijo São Jorge (Cow), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queijo São Jorge | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Portugal | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Island Of São Jorge, Azores | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions | About 6 months |
| Taste | Peppery, grassy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Queijo São Jorge Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Queijo São Jorge for Tulum Cheese?
Queijo São Jorge can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Queijo São Jorge 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 Queijo São Jorge the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo São Jorge originates in Portugal, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Queijo São Jorge is typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Queijo São Jorge similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Queijo São Jorge for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Queijo São Jorge taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Queijo São Jorge made of?
Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.
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, Queijo São Jorge or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.