Ackawi Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese
Ackawi Cheese
Ricotta Salata Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Ackawi Cheese
Buy Ricotta Salata Cheese
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 Ricotta Salata Cheese?
Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Ricotta Salata Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Ricotta Salata Cheese (Sheep's milk)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (Soft, brined), Ricotta Salata Cheese (Semi-hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Ricotta Salata Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | Italy |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Salata Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Salata 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.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Ricotta Salata 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 profile, Ricotta Salata Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Ricotta Salata Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Ricotta Salata Cheese comes from Italy. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Ricotta Salata Cheese uses sheep.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Ricotta Salata Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Ricotta Salata Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Ricotta Salata Cheese made of?
Ricotta Salata Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard.