Ackawi Cheese vs Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

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

No. Ackawi Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

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

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ackawi Cheese

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?

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 Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is an unpasteurized goat cheese from the Touraine province of France, sold as a small ash-rolled log with a straw running through its centre. The straw carries the AOC seal and a number identifying the producer.

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)
Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Minimum of ten days)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	France
Specific Origin	The Levant, Middle East	Indre-Et-Loire And Bordering Cantons
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Goat’s milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, brined	Semi-soft
Rind	Natural	Gray-blue
Aging	2 days in brine	Minimum of ten days
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	—

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese at minimum of ten days.

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.

Which is your favorite?

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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. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese minimum of ten days.

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's typically aged 2 days in brine. 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.