Ackawi Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
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 Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | — |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.