Ackawi Cheese vs Lisnati Cheese

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

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 Lisnati Cheese?

Lisnati is a cheese from Montenegro known for its layered texture, similar to phyllo dough. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, buttery flavor. This cheese is typically used in baking and is also served during special occasions and celebrations.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Lisnati Cheese (Montenegro)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Lisnati Cheese (Cow’s milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Lisnati Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Lisnati Cheese (Soft, Elastic, Smooth)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Lisnati Cheese (Immediate or left for ripening)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Lisnati Cheese (Mild Sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Lisnati Cheese's mild sour. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Lisnati Cheese at immediate or left for ripening.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Lisnati 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, elastic, smooth. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Lisnati Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Lisnati Cheese comes from Montenegro. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Lisnati Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Lisnati Cheese immediate or left for ripening.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Lisnati Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Lisnati Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Lisnati Cheese is mild sour. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Lisnati Cheese is closer to mild sour.

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 Lisnati Cheese made of?

Lisnati Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged immediate or left for ripening. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Lisnati Cheese?

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