Tulum Cheese vs Urdă Cheese
Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese from Turkey, while Urdă Cheese is creamy, delicate and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
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 Is Urdă Cheese?
Urdă is a whey cheese made across Southeast Europe and in Hungary by boiling the whey drained from other cheeses. The paste is finely grained and silky, and most of it ends up in desserts and filled pastries.
What's the Difference Between Tulum Cheese and Urdă Cheese?
- Origin: Tulum Cheese (Turkey), Urdă Cheese (Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine)
- Milk type: Tulum Cheese (goat), Urdă Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Tulum Cheese (raw), Urdă Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Aging: Tulum Cheese (about 6 months), Urdă Cheese (Up to 360 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tulum Cheese | Urdă Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia And Ukraine |
| Specific Origin | Turkey | North Pindos, Konitsa |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Creamy, delicate |
| Rind | — | Yellowish |
| Aging | About 6 months | Up to 360 days |
| Taste | — | High quality |
Taste Comparison: Does Tulum Cheese Taste Like Urdă Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Tulum Cheese at about 6 months develops a different profile than Urdă Cheese at up to 360 days.
Can You Substitute Tulum Cheese for Urdă Cheese?
Tulum Cheese can stand in for Urdă Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Tulum Cheese or Urdă 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 Tulum Cheese the same as Urdă Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Tulum Cheese originates in Turkey, while Urdă Cheese comes from Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk; Urdă Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Tulum Cheese is typically aged about 6 months, Urdă Cheese up to 360 days.
Is Tulum Cheese similar to Urdă Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Tulum Cheese for Urdă Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Tulum Cheese taste like Urdă Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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.
What is Urdă Cheese made of?
Urdă Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged up to 360 days. It originates in Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
Which should I choose, Tulum Cheese or Urdă Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.