Ackawi Cheese vs Kefalograviera Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Kefalograviera Cheese?

No. Ackawi Cheese and Kefalograviera Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria and Greece respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Kefalograviera Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for Kefalograviera Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Kefalograviera Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ackawi Cheese

Kefalograviera Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Kefalograviera Cheese is firm, elastic and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Greece.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.

What Is Kefalograviera Cheese?

Kefalograviera is an aged Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a hard texture and a salty, nutty flavor. This cheese is often used in Greek cuisine for grating over dishes, frying as saganaki, or baked in pastries.

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

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Kefalograviera Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Kefalograviera Cheese (Sheep’s milk or mixtures with up to 10% goat’s milk; sometimes cow's and sheep's milk (60:40))
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Kefalograviera Cheese (Firm, elastic)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Kefalograviera Cheese (Pleasant)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Kefalograviera Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Greece
Specific Origin	—	Western Macedonia, Epirus, Etoloakarnania, Evrytania
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Sheep’s milk or mixtures with up to 10% goat’s milk; sometimes cow's and sheep's milk (60:40)
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, brined	Firm, elastic
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	—	3 months
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Pleasant

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Kefalograviera Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Kefalograviera Cheese brings pleasant character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Kefalograviera Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Kefalograviera 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 firm, elastic. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Kefalograviera Cheese brings pleasant notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Kefalograviera 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 firm, elastic profile, Kefalograviera Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Kefalograviera Cheese fits dishes calling for pleasant.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Kefalograviera Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Kefalograviera Cheese comes from Greece. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Kefalograviera Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Kefalograviera Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Kefalograviera Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Kefalograviera Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Kefalograviera Cheese is pleasant.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Kefalograviera Cheese made of?

Kefalograviera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Kefalograviera Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Kefalograviera Cheese is firm, elastic.