Tulum Cheese

What Is Tulum Peyniri (Tulum Cheese)?

Tulum peyniri is a cheese obtained by salting curd made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk and traditionally aging it in a goatskin casing, or nowadays mostly pressed into cloth/plastic packaging. During aging it develops a sharp, somewhat tangy aroma.

Erzincan tulumu (made from sheep's milk, firm and sharp) and İzmir tulumu (generally made from goat's milk, more crumbly and white) are the two best-known regional varieties.

Nutritional Values of Tulum Peyniri

Tulum cheese is a dense cheese, containing approximately 326 kcal of energy, 19.6 g of protein, and 24.3 g of fat per 100 grams. These values can vary depending on the aging period and the type of milk used.

What Are the Benefits of Tulum Peyniri?

With its high protein and calcium content, tulum cheese is one of the traditional cheeses that stand out as part of a balanced diet. Its salt content is generally high.

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

How to Choose Tulum Peyniri?

When choosing tulum cheese, attention should be paid to the color being white-cream, the texture being crumbly, and the smell being sharp but free of mold odor.

• An overly hard and dry appearance may indicate it has been stored for a long time.
• Tulum cheese with green-black mold spots should not be consumed.
• Tulum cheese from local producers generally carries a more authentic aroma.

How to Store Tulum Peyniri?

Tulum cheese stays fresh in the refrigerator in its own fat or in a vacuum-sealed package for 2-3 weeks. If left out in open air, it dries out and hardens quickly.

Using Tulum Peyniri in the Kitchen

Tulum cheese is used sliced at breakfast, crumbled over salads and rice dishes, and melted in pasta and omelets. Its sharp taste makes the flavor stand out even in small amounts.

How Is Tulum Peyniri Crumbled?

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

Which Recipes Use Tulum Peyniri?

Tulum cheese pasta, tulum cheese rice, tulum cheese omelet, and cheese platters are the most loved uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tulum cheese good for?

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

What is the difference between Erzincan tulumu and İzmir tulumu?

Erzincan tulumu is made from sheep's milk and has a firm, sharp taste; İzmir tulumu is generally made from goat's milk and has a more crumbly, mildly tangy texture.

Why is tulum cheese salty?

Salt acts as a preservative during the aging process and allows the cheese to keep for a long time without spoiling; this is why tulum cheese is generally saltier than other fresh cheeses.

How many months does it take for tulum cheese to mature?

In traditional production, tulum cheese generally goes through an aging process ranging from a few months to a year; as the aging period increases, its aroma also intensifies.

Can tulum cheese be frozen?

Tulum cheese can be frozen, but its texture may become somewhat more crumbly once thawed; it can therefore be preferred especially in recipes where it is used crumbled.