Tulum Cheese

What Is Tulum Cheese?

Tulum cheese is made by salting curds from sheep, goat, or cow milk and aging them packed in a traditional skin casing or, more commonly today, cloth or plastic packaging. During aging, it develops a sharp, slightly tangy aroma.

Erzincan tulum (made from sheep milk, firm and sharp) and İzmir tulum (usually made from goat milk, crumblier and white) are the 2 best-known regional varieties.

Tulum Cheese Nutrition Facts

One hundred grams of tulum cheese contains about 326 kcal, 19.6 g of protein, and 24.3 g of fat. It is a rich, dense cheese. These values can vary depending on the aging time and type of milk.

What Are the Benefits of Tulum Cheese?

Tulum cheese is a traditional cheese notable for its high protein and calcium content and can be part of a balanced diet. It is generally high in salt.

This is general information; tulum cheese is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People monitoring their blood pressure should pay attention to its salt content.

How to Choose Tulum Cheese

When choosing tulum cheese, look for a white-to-cream color, a crumbly texture, and a sharp aroma without any moldy smell.

• An excessively hard, dry appearance may indicate that it has been kept for a long time.
• Do not eat tulum cheese with green or black mold spots.
• Tulum cheeses from regional producers generally have a more authentic aroma.

How to Store Tulum Cheese

Tulum cheese stays fresh for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator when kept in its own fat or in vacuum-sealed packaging. If left exposed to air, it dries out and hardens quickly.

How to Use Tulum Cheese in the Kitchen

Tulum cheese is sliced for breakfast, crumbled over salads and rice, and melted into pasta and omelets. Even a small amount makes its sharp flavor stand out.

How to Crumble Tulum Cheese

Tulum cheese crumbles easily by hand or with a fork; crumbling it while cold makes it easier to break apart. Sprinkle crumbled cheese over salads, rice, or pasta just before serving.

What Recipes Use Tulum Cheese?

Tulum cheese pasta, tulum cheese rice, tulum cheese omelets, and cheese plates are among the favorite ways to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tulum cheese good for?

Tulum cheese is a traditional cheese rich in protein and calcium. It is not claimed to cure any disease.

What is the difference between Erzincan and İzmir tulum cheese?

Erzincan tulum is made from sheep milk and has a firm texture and sharp flavor. İzmir tulum is usually made from goat milk and has a crumblier texture with a slight tang.

Why is tulum cheese salty?

Salt acts as a preservative during aging and helps the cheese keep without spoiling for a long time. As a result, tulum cheese is generally saltier than other fresh cheeses.

How many months does tulum cheese age?

Traditional tulum cheese usually ages for several months to a year. Its aroma becomes more intense as the aging time increases.

Can tulum cheese be frozen?

Tulum cheese can be frozen, but its texture may become a little crumblier after thawing. It can be a good choice for recipes that call for crumbled cheese.