Ackawi Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

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

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg 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 semihard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Jarlsberg 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 semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.