Ackawi Cheese vs Goat Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard and made from goat milk.
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 Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Goat Cheese?
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Goat Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Goat Cheese (tart, goaty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Goat Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | — |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Worldwide |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Soft, semihard or hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Tart, goaty |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Goat Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty character.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Goat Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Goat 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 soft, semihard or hard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Goat 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 soft, semihard or hard profile, Goat Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Goat Cheese fits dishes calling for tart, goaty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Goat Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Goat Cheese uses goat.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Goat Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Goat Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Goat Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Goat Cheese is tart, goaty.
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 Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Goat Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard.