Ackawi Cheese vs Brie Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Brie Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Akkawi is a white brine cheese from the Levant, named after the port city of Acre. It is usually made from pasteurized cow's milk, cured two days in salted whey brine, and eaten with soft flatbread or on its own as a table cheese.

What Is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Brie Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Brie Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Brie Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Brie Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Brie Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Brie Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Brie Cheese brings nutty, mushroom character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Brie Cheese's ammoniated when overripe. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Brie Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Brie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Brie Cheese brings nutty, mushroom notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Brie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a soft profile, Brie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Brie Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, mushroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Brie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Brie Cheese comes from France. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Brie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Brie Cheese at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Brie Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Brie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Brie Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Brie Cheese is nutty, mushroom. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Brie Cheese is closer to ammoniated when overripe.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 days in brine. It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Brie Cheese made of?

Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Brie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Brie Cheese is soft.