Tête de Moine Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Tête de Moine Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Tête de Moine Cheese?
Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.
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 Tête de Moine Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Tête de Moine Cheese (cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Tête de Moine Cheese (unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Tête de Moine Cheese (at least 2½ months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tête de Moine Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Bernese Jura And Canton Of Jura, Switzerland | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | — |
| Rind | Firm, grainy natural crust | — |
| Aging | At least 2½ months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Tête de Moine Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Tête de Moine Cheese at at least 2½ months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Tête de Moine Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Tête de Moine Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Tête de Moine 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 Tête de Moine Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Tête de Moine Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Tête de Moine Cheese is typically aged at least 2½ months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Tête de Moine Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Tête de Moine Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Tête de Moine Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Tête de Moine Cheese made of?
Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 2½ months. It originates in Switzerland.
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, Tête de Moine Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.