Ackawi Cheese vs Sulguni Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Sulguni Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow and buffalo milk, originating in Georgia.
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 Sulguni Cheese?
Sulguni is a traditional cheese from Georgia, specifically originating in the regions of Svaneti and Samegrelo. This cheese is made from a mixture of buffalo's and cow's milk, giving it a unique texture and flavor profile. It is semi-firm, making it ideal for slicing and melting. The flavor is characterized by a combination of salty, smoky, and sour notes, which makes it a popular choice for various Georgian dishes. Often referred to as Georgian Pickle Cheese, Sulguni can be found under alternative spellings such as Megruli Sulguni and Shebolili Megruli Sulguni. It's a staple in Georgian cuisine, frequently enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in traditional recipes.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Sulguni Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Sulguni Cheese (Georgia)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Sulguni Cheese (buffalo's and cow's milk)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Sulguni Cheese (semi-firm)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Sulguni Cheese (salty, smokey , sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Sulguni Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | Georgia |
| Specific Origin | — | Svaneti, Samegrelo |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Buffalo's and cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Semi-firm |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Salty, smokey , sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Sulguni Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Sulguni Cheese brings salty, smokey , sour character.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sulguni Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Sulguni 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-firm. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Sulguni Cheese brings salty, smokey , sour notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Sulguni 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-firm profile, Sulguni Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Sulguni Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, smokey , sour.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Sulguni Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Sulguni Cheese comes from Georgia. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Sulguni Cheese uses cow and buffalo.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Sulguni Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Sulguni Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Sulguni Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Sulguni Cheese is salty, smokey , sour.
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 Sulguni Cheese made of?
Sulguni Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It originates in Georgia.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Sulguni Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Sulguni Cheese is semi-firm.