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?

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 Kefalograviera Cheese?

Kefalograviera is a hard Greek table cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. It tastes salty, smells rich, and shows up most often fried as saganaki or grated over pasta.

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)
Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Kefalograviera Cheese (3 months)
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	The Levant, Middle East	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	2 days in brine	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. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Kefalograviera Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Kefalograviera Cheese at 3 months.

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?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

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. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Kefalograviera Cheese 3 months.

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. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Kefalograviera Cheese is closer to rich.

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 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.