Ackawi Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese

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

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 Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Mozzarella Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Mozzarella Cheese (None)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Mozzarella Cheese (Eaten fresh)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Mozzarella Cheese's mild. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Mozzarella Cheese at eaten fresh.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella 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, creamy. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Mozzarella Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Mozzarella Cheese eaten fresh.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Mozzarella Cheese?

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

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 Mozzarella Cheese made of?

Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?

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