Ackawi Cheese vs Provoleta Cheese

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

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 Provoleta Cheese?

Provoleta is an Argentine provolone made by spinning the curd, sold in small discs that hold their shape over fire. It is grilled until part-melted and eaten at the start of an asado, often with oregano, chilli flakes and bread.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Provoleta Cheese (Argentina)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Provoleta Cheese (water buffalo's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Provoleta Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Provoleta Cheese (mild, smokey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Provoleta Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Provoleta Cheese brings mild, smokey character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Provoleta Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Provoleta Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Provoleta 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-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Provoleta Cheese brings mild, smokey notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Provoleta Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Provoleta Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Provoleta Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Provoleta Cheese?

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

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 Provoleta Cheese made of?

Provoleta Cheese is made from buffalo milk (pasteurized). It originates in Argentina.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Provoleta Cheese?

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