Trnič Cheese vs Tulum Cheese

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Trnič Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Slovenia, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.

What Is Trnič Cheese?

Trnič is a hard Slovenian cheese made for centuries by shepherds on Velika planina, Mala planina and Gojška planina from sour skimmed milk curd, cream and salt. Shaped by hand and stamped with carved wooden patterns, it was given in pairs as a token of love.

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 Trnič Cheese and Tulum Cheese?

  • Origin: Trnič Cheese (Slovenia), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
  • Milk type: Trnič Cheese (Cow’s milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
  • Milk treatment: Trnič Cheese (Sour, heated), Tulum Cheese (raw)
  • Aging: Trnič Cheese (4 weeks), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trnič Cheese Tulum Cheese
Country of Origin Slovenia Turkey
Specific Origin Velika Planina Turkey
Milk Type Cow’s milk Goat
Milk Treatment Sour, heated Raw
Texture Hard —
Aging 4 weeks About 6 months
Taste Salty and slightly acidic —

Taste Comparison: Does Trnič Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Trnič Cheese at 4 weeks develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.

Can You Substitute Trnič Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

Trnič Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Trnič 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 Trnič Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Trnič Cheese originates in Slovenia, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Trnič Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Trnič Cheese is typically aged 4 weeks, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.

Is Trnič Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Trnič Cheese for Tulum Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Trnič Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Trnič Cheese made of?

Trnič Cheese is made from cow milk (sour, heated). It's typically aged 4 weeks. It originates in Slovenia.

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, Trnič Cheese or Tulum Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.