Ackawi Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

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

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 Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Mimolette Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Mimolette Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Mimolette Cheese comes from France. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Mimolette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Mimolette Cheese is closer to butterscotch.

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 Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

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