Ackawi Cheese vs Roncal Cheese
Ackawi Cheese
Roncal Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Roncal Cheese is hard or semihard and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Ackawi Cheese?
Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.
What Is Roncal Cheese?
Roncal is a hard, sheep's milk cheese from the Roncal Valley in the Navarre region of Spain. It has a firm texture and a rich, buttery flavor with nutty undertones. Aged for several months, Roncal develops a pronounced sharpness and a slightly granular texture, making it excellent for grating or enjoying on cheese boards.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Roncal Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Roncal Cheese (Spain)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Roncal Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Roncal Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Roncal Cheese (Hard or semihard)
- Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Roncal Cheese (Natural hard brown)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Roncal Cheese (Well developed, pronounced)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Roncal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | Spain |
| Specific Origin | — | Roncal Valley, Navarra |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Hard or semihard |
| Rind | Natural | Natural hard brown |
| Aging | — | More than 120 days |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Well developed, pronounced |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Roncal Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Roncal Cheese brings well developed, pronounced character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Roncal Cheese's straw, mushrooms, dried fruits.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Roncal Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Roncal 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 or semihard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Roncal Cheese brings well developed, pronounced notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Roncal 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 or semihard profile, Roncal Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Roncal Cheese fits dishes calling for well developed, pronounced.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Roncal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Roncal Cheese comes from Spain. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Roncal Cheese uses sheep.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Roncal Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Roncal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Roncal Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Roncal Cheese is well developed, pronounced. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Roncal Cheese is closer to straw, mushrooms, dried fruits.
What is Ackawi Cheese made of?
Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.
What is Roncal Cheese made of?
Roncal Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged more than 120 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Roncal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Roncal Cheese is hard or semihard.