Ackawi Cheese vs Monte Enebro Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Monte Enebro Cheese?

No. Ackawi Cheese and Monte Enebro Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria and Spain respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Monte Enebro Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Monte Enebro 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 Monte Enebro Cheese is smooth, dense and made from goat milk, originating in Spain.

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 Monte Enebro Cheese?

Monte Enebro is an artisanal goat cheese from Avila, Spain, created by cheesemaker Rafael Baez and his daughter Paloma. It has a distinctive ash-covered rind with a creamy, slightly acidic interior that features strong, tangy blue mold flavors developing towards the center of the cheese. Monte Enebro is highly regarded for its complex flavor profile and creamy texture.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Monte Enebro Cheese?

Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Monte Enebro Cheese (Spain)
Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Monte Enebro Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Monte Enebro Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Monte Enebro Cheese (Smooth, dense)
Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Monte Enebro Cheese (Charcoal-colored)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Monte Enebro Cheese (Bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Monte Enebro Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	Spain
Specific Origin	—	Avila, Southwest Of Madrid
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, brined	Smooth, dense
Rind	Natural	Charcoal-colored
Aging	—	Matured for 30 days after spraying with Penicillium roqueforti
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Monte Enebro Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Monte Enebro Cheese brings bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Monte Enebro Cheese's bold, goaty.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Monte Enebro Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Monte Enebro 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, dense. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Monte Enebro Cheese brings bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Monte Enebro 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, dense profile, Monte Enebro Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Monte Enebro Cheese fits dishes calling for bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Monte Enebro Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Monte Enebro Cheese comes from Spain. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Monte Enebro Cheese uses goat.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Monte Enebro Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Monte Enebro Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Monte Enebro Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Monte Enebro Cheese is bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Monte Enebro Cheese is closer to bold, goaty.

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 Monte Enebro Cheese made of?

Monte Enebro Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged matured for 30 days after spraying with penicillium roqueforti. It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Monte Enebro Cheese?

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