Ackawi Cheese vs Geitost Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.

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 Geitost Cheese?

Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Geitost Cheese (not aged)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Geitost Cheese at not aged.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Geitost 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 semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Geitost 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 semi-hard, whey profile, Geitost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Geitost Cheese not aged.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.

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 Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey.