Ackawi Cheese vs Teviotdale Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Teviotdale Cheese is hard and made from cow milk.
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 Teviotdale Cheese?
Teviotdale Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in the borderlands of England and Scotland. It has a cylindrical shape with a white coating and a natural yellow color. The cheese has a smooth, salty, and tangy flavor. It undergoes a traditional production process that includes pressing, brining for 9 hours, and daily turning during a 15-day maturation period. The milk comes exclusively from the designated area, where the local grasses and herbs influence its flavor. The cheese has been made on the same farm using traditional methods since 1983. The microbial flora in the dairy contributes to its distinct characteristics.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Teviotdale Cheese?
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Teviotdale Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Teviotdale Cheese (Unpasteurized)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Teviotdale Cheese (Hard)
- Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Teviotdale Cheese (White-coated)
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Teviotdale Cheese (Smooth, salty, and tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Teviotdale Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | — |
| Specific Origin | — | Teviotdale |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | White-coated |
| Aging | — | Minimum 15 days |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Smooth, salty, and tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Teviotdale Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Teviotdale Cheese brings smooth, salty, and tangy character.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Teviotdale Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Teviotdale 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Teviotdale Cheese brings smooth, salty, and tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Teviotdale 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 hard profile, Teviotdale Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Teviotdale Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, salty, and tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Teviotdale Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Teviotdale Cheese uses cow.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Teviotdale Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Teviotdale Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Teviotdale Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Teviotdale Cheese is smooth, salty, and tangy.
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 Teviotdale Cheese made of?
Teviotdale Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum 15 days.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Teviotdale Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Teviotdale Cheese is hard.