Torta del Casar Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Torta del Casar Cheese is a very soft and spreadable sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
What Is Torta del Casar Cheese?
Torta del Casar is a sheep's milk cheese from Extremadura, Spain, curdled with cardoon thistle rather than animal rennet. Aged at least sixty days, it goes creamy in the center, so it is eaten by slicing off the top and scooping out the inside.
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 Torta del Casar Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Torta del Casar Cheese (Spain), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Torta del Casar Cheese (sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Torta del Casar Cheese (unpasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Torta del Casar Cheese (About two months), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Torta del Casar Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Extremadura | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Very soft and spreadable | — |
| Rind | Dry but slightly sticky | — |
| Aging | About two months | About 6 months |
| Taste | Rich, slightly bitter | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Torta del Casar Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Torta del Casar Cheese at about two months develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Torta del Casar Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Torta del Casar Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Torta del Casar 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 Torta del Casar Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Torta del Casar Cheese originates in Spain, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Torta del Casar Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Torta del Casar Cheese is typically aged about two months, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Torta del Casar Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Torta del Casar Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Torta del Casar Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Torta del Casar Cheese made of?
Torta del Casar Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using cardoon flower (cynara cardunculus) rennet. It's typically aged about two months. It originates in Spain.
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, Torta del Casar Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.