Ackawi Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Queijo São Jorge (Cow)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Queijo São Jorge (Raw)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Queijo São Jorge's peppery, grassy. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Queijo São Jorge 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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Queijo São Jorge uses cow. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Queijo São Jorge is closer to peppery, grassy.

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 Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.