Ackawi Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh, 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 Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Fromage Frais Cheese (France)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (Soft, brined), Fromage Frais Cheese (Fresh)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Fromage Frais Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais 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 fresh. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Fromage Frais Cheese comes from France.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Fromage Frais Cheese is closer to mild.

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 Fromage Frais Cheese made of?

Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh.