Ackawi Cheese vs Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat 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 Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France. It is easily recognizable by its long, cylindrical shape and a small straw running through its center, which helps maintain the shape and distribute moisture. The cheese has a soft, creamy texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes nuttier as it ages.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (goat’s milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (semi-soft)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Gray-blue)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Sainte-Maure de Touraine 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-soft.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine 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-soft profile, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine 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 originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese made of?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of ten days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft.