Ackawi Cheese vs Sfela Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Sfela Cheese?
Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese dishes.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Sfela Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Sfela Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Sfela Cheese (Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Sfela Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Sfela Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Sfela Cheese (Unique personality)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Sfela Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | Greece |
| Specific Origin | — | Messinia And Laconia, Peloponnese |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Unique personality |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Sfela Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Sfela Cheese brings unique personality character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Sfela Cheese's excellent aroma.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Sfela 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-hard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Sfela Cheese brings unique personality notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Sfela 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-hard profile, Sfela Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Sfela Cheese fits dishes calling for unique personality.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Sfela Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Sfela Cheese comes from Greece. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Sfela Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Sfela Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Sfela Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Sfela Cheese is unique personality. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Sfela Cheese is closer to excellent aroma.
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 Sfela Cheese made of?
Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Sfela Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard.