Tulum Cheese vs Xynotyro Cheese
Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese from Turkey, while Xynotyro Cheese is hard, whey 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 Xynotyro Cheese?
Xynotyro is an unpasteurized Greek whey cheese made from sheep's milk or goat's milk. It is hard and flaky, with a pungent aroma and a sweet and sour taste close to yogurt.
What's the Difference Between Tulum Cheese and Xynotyro Cheese?
- Origin: Tulum Cheese (Turkey), Xynotyro Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Tulum Cheese (goat), Xynotyro Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Tulum Cheese (raw), Xynotyro Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Aging: Tulum Cheese (about 6 months), Xynotyro Cheese (fresh or 3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tulum Cheese | Xynotyro Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Turkey | Greece |
| Milk Type | Goat | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard, whey |
| Aging | About 6 months | Fresh or 3 months |
| Taste | — | Burnt caramel, sour, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Tulum Cheese Taste Like Xynotyro Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Tulum Cheese at about 6 months develops a different profile than Xynotyro Cheese at fresh or 3 months.
Can You Substitute Tulum Cheese for Xynotyro Cheese?
Tulum Cheese can stand in for Xynotyro Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Tulum Cheese or Xynotyro 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 Xynotyro Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Tulum Cheese originates in Turkey, while Xynotyro Cheese comes from Greece. Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk; Xynotyro Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Tulum Cheese is typically aged about 6 months, Xynotyro Cheese fresh or 3 months.
Is Tulum Cheese similar to Xynotyro Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Tulum Cheese for Xynotyro Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Tulum Cheese taste like Xynotyro 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 Xynotyro Cheese made of?
Xynotyro Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or 3 months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Tulum Cheese or Xynotyro Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.