Tilsit Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Tilsit Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Germany, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Tilsit Cheese?
Tilsit, also spelled Tilsiter, is a pale yellow semihard smear-ripened cow's milk cheese created in the mid-19th century by Prussian-Swiss settlers in the East Prussian town of Tilsit. It is medium firm with irregular holes, and often flavoured with caraway seed.
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 Tilsit Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Tilsit Cheese (Germany), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Tilsit Cheese (Cow’s milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Tilsit Cheese (Raw and pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Tilsit Cheese (3 months / Variable), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tilsit Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Northern Germany/Baltic And Northern Switzerland | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw and pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-Hard | — |
| Rind | Washed-rind/ Dry rind | — |
| Aging | 3 months / Variable | About 6 months |
| Taste | Pungent, balanced | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Tilsit Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Tilsit Cheese at 3 months / variable develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Tilsit Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Tilsit Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Tilsit 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 Tilsit Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Tilsit Cheese originates in Germany, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Tilsit Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Tilsit Cheese is typically aged 3 months / variable, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Tilsit Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Tilsit Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Tilsit Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Tilsit Cheese made of?
Tilsit Cheese is made from cow milk (raw and pasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 3 months / variable. It originates in Germany.
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, Tilsit Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.