Ackawi Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Ackawi Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Ackawi Cheese?
Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French word for goat, and it refers to any cheese made from goat's milk. These cheeses can vary widely in texture from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly. Chèvre flavors range from mild and smooth to tangy and bold, depending on the age and production methods.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | France |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Chèvre (Goat 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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) comes from France. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.
What is Ackawi Cheese made of?
Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.