Tulum Cheese vs Xygalo Siteias Cheese
Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese from Turkey, while Xygalo Siteias Cheese is spreadable and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Xygalo Siteias is a traditional Greek cheese from the region of Sitia in Crete. It has a PDO status and is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Xygalo Siteias has a creamy, yoghurt-like texture with a tangy, slightly sour taste, often used as a spread or in Cretan pies.
What's the Difference Between Tulum Cheese and Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
- Origin: Tulum Cheese (Turkey), Xygalo Siteias Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Tulum Cheese (goat), Xygalo Siteias Cheese (Raw goat’s or ewe’s milk or a mixture)
- Aging: Tulum Cheese (about 6 months), Xygalo Siteias Cheese (7-10 days and about one month)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tulum Cheese | Xygalo Siteias Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Turkey | Sitia Region, Crete |
| Milk Type | Goat | Raw goat’s or ewe’s milk or a mixture |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Spreadable |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | About 6 months | 7-10 days and about one month |
| Taste | — | Fresh, slightly acidic, mildly salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Tulum Cheese Taste Like Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Tulum Cheese at about 6 months develops a different profile than Xygalo Siteias Cheese at 7-10 days and about one month.
Can You Substitute Tulum Cheese for Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Tulum Cheese can stand in for Xygalo Siteias Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Tulum Cheese or Xygalo Siteias 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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Tulum Cheese originates in Turkey, while Xygalo Siteias Cheese comes from Greece. Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk; Xygalo Siteias Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Tulum Cheese is typically aged about 6 months, Xygalo Siteias Cheese 7-10 days and about one month.
Is Tulum Cheese similar to Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Tulum Cheese for Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Tulum Cheese taste like Xygalo Siteias 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 Xygalo Siteias Cheese made of?
Xygalo Siteias Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 7-10 days and about one month. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Tulum Cheese or Xygalo Siteias Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.