Ackawi Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.
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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | United States |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Spreadable |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Pimento Cheese's sweet, rounded chili.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Pimento 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 spreadable. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Pimento 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 spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Pimento Cheese is closer to sweet, rounded chili.
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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.