Ackawi Cheese vs Bryndza Cheese

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

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 Bryndza Cheese?

Bryndza is a sheep milk cheese made across Central and Eastern Europe, above all in Slovakia and Poland. It is white, tangy and crumbly, with a strong smell and a flavor that starts mild and ends salty.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Bryndza Cheese (Hungary, Poland and Slovakia)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Bryndza Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Bryndza Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Bryndza Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Bryndza Cheese (rindless)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Bryndza Cheese (mild, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Bryndza Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Bryndza Cheese brings mild, salty character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Bryndza Cheese's strong, characteristic.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Bryndza Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Bryndza 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Bryndza Cheese brings mild, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Bryndza 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, artisan profile, Bryndza Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Bryndza Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Bryndza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Bryndza Cheese comes from Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Bryndza Cheese uses sheep.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Bryndza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Bryndza Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Bryndza Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Bryndza Cheese is mild, salty. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Bryndza Cheese is closer to strong, characteristic.

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 Bryndza Cheese made of?

Bryndza Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Bryndza Cheese?

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