Ackawi Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | — |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Hard, dry and grainy |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Sharp, salty and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio 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 hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio 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 hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.