Ackawi Cheese vs Malvern Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Malvern Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Malvern Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Malvern 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 is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Malvern Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Malvern Cheese?

Malvern is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Severn Valley, England. It has a 50% fat content, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese is ivory in color and offers a sweet flavor profile with hints of butterscotch. Its taste is complemented by herbal notes, providing a pleasant balance. As an artisan cheese, Malvern is crafted with attention to detail, making it a cherished choice for cheese enthusiasts. Enjoy it on a cheese board or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.

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

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Malvern Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Malvern Cheese (sheep's milk)
Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Malvern Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Malvern Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Malvern Cheese (butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Malvern Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	—	Severn Valley
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, brined	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	Natural	—
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Malvern Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Malvern Cheese brings butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Malvern Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Malvern 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Malvern Cheese brings butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Malvern 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Malvern Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Malvern Cheese fits dishes calling for butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Malvern Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Malvern Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Malvern Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Malvern Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Malvern Cheese is butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet.

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 Malvern Cheese made of?

Malvern Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Malvern Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Malvern Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.