Ackawi Cheese vs Gamonedo Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Gamonedo Cheese is harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle) and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.

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 Gamonedo Cheese?

Gamonéu is a fatty, lightly smoked Spanish cheese made in parts of Asturias from a blend of cow, goat and sheep milk. It holds a Protected Designation of Origin and comes in two forms: del Puertu from the high passes and del Valle from the lower valleys.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Gamonedo Cheese (Spain)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Gamonedo Cheese (Raw cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, or any combination. Breeds: Friesian, Asturiana de los Valles, etc.)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Gamonedo Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Gamonedo Cheese (harder and drier (del Puertu), richer and creamier (del Valle))
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Gamonedo Cheese (inedible, thin, natural)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Gamonedo Cheese (Minimum of sixty days up to five months)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Gamonedo Cheese (Buttery, slightly nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Gamonedo Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Gamonedo Cheese brings buttery, slightly nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Gamonedo Cheese at minimum of sixty days up to five months.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Gamonedo Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Gamonedo 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 harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle). Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Gamonedo Cheese brings buttery, slightly nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Gamonedo 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 harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle) profile, Gamonedo Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Gamonedo Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, slightly nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Gamonedo Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Gamonedo Cheese comes from Spain. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Gamonedo Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Gamonedo Cheese minimum of sixty days up to five months.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Gamonedo Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Gamonedo Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Gamonedo Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Gamonedo Cheese is buttery, slightly nutty.

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 Gamonedo Cheese made of?

Gamonedo Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of sixty days up to five months. It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Gamonedo Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Gamonedo Cheese is harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle).