By Introduction
Turkey produces some of the best cheeses in the world. The country has a long tradition of cheese making, and its cheeses are enjoyed by people all over the world. Turkish cheeses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some of the most popular Turkish cheeses include beyaz peynir, kashkaval, and feta.
Beyaz peynir is a white cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It has a mild flavor and is often used in salads or as a topping for bread. Kashkaval is a yellow cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a sharp flavor and is often used in cooked dishes. Feta is a white cheese that is made from goat’s milk. It has a strong flavor and is often used in salads or as a filling for pies and pastries.
Popular Turkish Cheeses
Turkish cheeses are some of the most delicious in the world. There are many different types of cheese available in Turkey, and each has its own unique flavor. Here are some of the most popular Turkish cheeses:
1. Kars Gruyere, Kars Kashar, and Cream Cheese
Kars Gruyere:
A type of Gruyere cheese produced in the Turkish city of Kars. It has a yellow-brownish color and a slightly nutty flavor. It is often used as a melting cheese, making it ideal for dishes such as gratins and fondues.
Kars Kashar:
A type of Kashar cheese produced in the Turkish city of Kars. It has a white color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used as a table cheese or for baking.
Cream Cheese:
A type of cheese made from cow’s milk, cream cheese has a soft, spreadable texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is often used as a spread on breads and crackers, or as a filling in dishes such as cheesecake or blintzes.
2. Van Herb Cheese
If you’re a fan of cheese, you’ll definitely want to try van herbed cheese. This type of cheese is made with a mix of sheep and cow’s milk, and it’s flavored with a variety of herbs. The result is a delicious, creamy cheese that’s perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.
3. Tulum Cheese
Tulum cheese is a type of feta cheese that is made in the Tulum region of Turkey. It is a white cheese that has a slightly crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor. Tulum cheese is often used in salads or as a topping for breads and crackers.
4. Smoked Circassian Cheese
Smoked Circassian cheese is a Turkish cheese that is made from the milk of sheep, goats, or cows. It has a strong, smoky flavor and a firm texture. This cheese is often used in dishes such as kebabs and kofta.
5. Konya Moldy Cheese
Konya is a province in central Turkey. The capital city is also called Konya. Konya is known for its traditional Turkish foods, including its moldy cheeses.
Moldy cheeses are a type of cheese that has been aged for a long time, sometimes up to two years. During this time, the cheese develops a thin layer of mold on its surface. The mold helps to protect the cheese from bacteria and other contaminants, and also gives the cheese a unique flavor.
Konya moldy cheeses are some of the most popular types of cheese in Turkey. They are often eaten with bread or crackers, and can also be used in cooking. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Turkish experience, be sure to try some Konya moldy cheese!
6. Kesh Cheese
Kesh cheese is a fresh, white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a soft, crumbly texture. Kesh cheese is often used in salads and as a filling for savory pies and pastries.
7. Turkish White Cheese
Turkish white cheese, also known as beyaz peynir, is a type of cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a mildly salty flavor. It is often used in salads and as a topping for breads and pastries.
8. Gaziantep Pressed Cheese
Gaziantep cheese is a variety of kashar cheese, named after the city of Gaziantep in Turkey. It is a white cheese with a mild flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. Gaziantep cheese is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, but nowadays it is also made from cow’s milk. The milk is first curdled and then pressed to form the final product.
Gaziantep cheese is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as köfte (meatballs), çiğ köfte (raw meatballs), and various stews. It can also be eaten on its own, either fresh or aged. Aged Gaziantep cheese has a stronger flavor and a more crumbly texture.
9. Basket Cheese
There are many types of basket cheese, but the most popular type is made from sheep’s milk. The cheese is formed into a round shape and then placed in a basket to drain. Basket cheese has a firm texture and a mild flavor. It is often used in salads and as a topping for bread.
10. Pottery Cheese
There are many types of pottery cheese, each with its own distinct flavor. The most popular type is Çökelek, which is made from sheep’s milk and has a strong, tangy flavor. Other popular types include Beyaz Peynir (white cheese), which is milder in flavor, and Tulum Peynir (aged cheese), which has a more intense flavor.
Pottery cheese is often used in salads and as a topping for breads and other dishes. It can also be eaten alone as a snack or with fruit and nuts.
11. Kolot Cheese
Kolot cheese is a type of Turkish cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It has a strong, salty flavor and a crumbly texture. Kolot cheese is often used in salads and as a topping for breads.
12. Mihalich Cheese
Mihalich Cheese is a very popular Turkish cheese. It is made from a mixture of cow’s milk and sheep’s milk. The cheese has a strong, salty flavor and a hard, crumbly texture. It is often used in traditional Turkish dishes such as köfte (meatballs) and börek (stuffed pies).
13. Divle Obruk Cheese
Divle Obruk cheese is a type of Turkish cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It is a white cheese with a mild flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. This cheese is often used in traditional Turkish dishes such as içli köfte (stuffed meatballs) and hünkâr beğendi (a lamb and eggplant dish). Divle Obruk cheese can also be found in some grocery stores in the United States.
14. Dil Cheese
Dil cheese, also known as Turkish cream cheese, is a fresh, unaged cheese made from a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a soft, creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Dil cheese is often used in dips and spreads, as well as in baked goods and desserts.
15. Antakya Surk Cheese
There are many types of cheese produced in Turkey, but Antakya surk cheese is one of the most popular. This type of cheese is made from a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk, and it has a strong, pungent flavor. It is often used in traditional Turkish dishes, such as kofte (meatballs) and borek (savory pastries).
16. Ezine Cheese
Turkey is a land of cheese. there are more than enough types of cheese to choose from. Ezine Cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in Turkey. It has a strong, distinct flavor that is both salty and tangy. The texture of Ezine Cheese is firm and crumbly. It pairs well with crackers, bread, and fruit.
17. Yalvaç Pottery Cheese
Yalvaç pottery cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made from sheep’s milk. It is white in color and has a slightly crumbly texture. The flavor is mild and slightly tangy. Yalvaç pottery cheese is traditionally served with bread and olives as an appetizer or main course.
18. Tulum Cheese
Tulum cheese is a type of feta cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It has a strong flavor and is often used in salads or as a topping for bread.
19. Beyaz Peynir
Beyaz peynir is a white cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a milder flavor than other types of cheese, and it is often used in sandwiches or as a snack.
20. Çökelek Cheese
Çökelek cheese is a type of cottage cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It has a very soft texture and is often used in desserts or as a spread.
21. Ezine Cheese
Ezine cheese is a type of yellow cheese that is made from goat’s milk. It has a strong flavor and is often used in salads or as a topping for bread.
Final Words
As Turkey’s cheese culture has developed, a number of excellent cheeses have emerged. The following are some of the best popular Turkish cheeses that you can find in stores and at cheese counters.
Beyaz Peynir: This white brined cheese is made from unpasteurized milk and has a crumbly texture. It has a strong salty flavor and is often used as a topping on bread or salads.
Tulum Peynir: Tulum is another type of white cheese that is similar to feta, but not as crumbly. It is made from sheep’s milk and has a milder flavor.
Kaşar: Kaşar is a yellowish, hard cheese that is made from cows’ milk. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and is often used in grating or shaving over dishes.
Ezine Peyniri: Ezine peyniri is another type of hard cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It has a sharper flavor than kaşar and is also used for grating or shaving over dishes.
