Ackawi Cheese vs Edam Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.

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 Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that is recognizable by its typically red or yellow wax coating. Made from partially skimmed cow's milk, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Edam ages well and does not spoil; instead, it hardens, which makes it an excellent cheese for long-term storage.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Edam Cheese (Netherlands)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Edam Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Edam Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Edam Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Edam 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 rubber-textured to crystalline. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Edam 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 rubber-textured to crystalline profile, Edam Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Edam Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, milky, nutty, buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Edam Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Edam Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Edam Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Edam Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Edam Cheese is sweet, milky, nutty, buttery.

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 Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Edam Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline.