Ackawi Cheese vs Montasio-Style Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Montasio-Style Cheese is .
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 Montasio-Style Cheese?
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Montasio-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Montasio-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | — |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Montasio-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Montasio-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Montasio-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Montasio-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Montasio-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Montasio-Style Cheese made of?
Montasio-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.