Ackawi Cheese vs Oka Cheese

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

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 Oka Cheese?

Oka is a semi-soft washed rind cow's milk cheese from Oka, Quebec, made by Trappist monks starting in 1893 and now by Agropur. It is known for its copper-orange rind, pungent smell, and soft creamy taste with nutty, fruity notes.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Oka Cheese (Canada)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Oka Cheese (Cow)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Oka Cheese (semi-soft)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Oka Cheese (washed)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Oka Cheese (soft and creamy, nutty and fruity)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Oka Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Oka Cheese brings soft and creamy, nutty and fruity character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Oka Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Oka Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Oka 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-soft. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Oka Cheese brings soft and creamy, nutty and fruity notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Oka Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Oka Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Oka Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Oka Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Oka Cheese is soft and creamy, nutty and fruity. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Oka Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Oka Cheese made of?

Oka Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Canada.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Oka Cheese?

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