Ackawi Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Roquefort Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Roquefort Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Roquefort Cheese is mild to strong. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Roquefort Cheese is closer to sweet.

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 Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.