Ackawi Cheese vs Charolais Cheese
Ackawi Cheese
Charolais Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Charolais Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat 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 Charolais Cheese?
Charolais is a raw goat's milk cheese from the Charolais and Brionnais hills of Burgundy, France. It is one of the largest goat cheeses, sold as a tall barrel-shaped round of 250 to 310 grams, and has carried PDO status since 2014.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Charolais Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Charolais Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Charolais Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Charolais Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Charolais Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Charolais Cheese (Bloomy, slightly wrinkled)
- Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Charolais Cheese (Minimum of 16 days)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Charolais Cheese (acidic, salty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Charolais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | France |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Region Around Charolles, Burgundy |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy, slightly wrinkled |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | Minimum of 16 days |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Acidic, salty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Charolais Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Charolais Cheese brings acidic, salty, sweet character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Charolais Cheese's subtle. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Charolais Cheese at minimum of 16 days.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Charolais Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Charolais 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 semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Charolais Cheese brings acidic, salty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Charolais 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 semi-soft profile, Charolais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Charolais Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, salty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Charolais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Charolais Cheese comes from France. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Charolais Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Charolais Cheese minimum of 16 days.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Charolais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Charolais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Charolais Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Charolais Cheese is acidic, salty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Charolais Cheese is closer to subtle.
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 Charolais Cheese made of?
Charolais Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 16 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Charolais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Charolais Cheese is semi-soft.