Ackawi Cheese vs Queso Fresco

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

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 Queso Fresco?

Queso fresco is a fresh cow's milk cheese made by curdling and draining milk with little other processing. Soft, mild and crumbly, it is a staple of Latin American cooking and is eaten within days of being made.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Queso Fresco?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Queso Fresco (Mexico)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Queso Fresco (Cow)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Queso Fresco (soft, crumbly)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Queso Fresco (None)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Queso Fresco (Fresh)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Queso Fresco (Mild, Tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Queso Fresco?

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

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Queso Fresco?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Queso Fresco 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, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Queso Fresco brings mild, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Queso Fresco?

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, crumbly profile, Queso Fresco is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Queso Fresco fits dishes calling for mild, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Queso Fresco?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Queso Fresco?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Queso Fresco?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Queso Fresco?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Queso Fresco is mild, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Queso Fresco 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 Queso Fresco made of?

Queso Fresco is made from cow milk. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Mexico.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Queso Fresco?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Queso Fresco is soft, crumbly.