Ackawi Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
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 Tulum Cheese?
Tulum is a Turkish goat's milk cheese ripened inside a goatskin casing, which is what the word tulum means in Turkish. It is made in several regions, and versions from Erzincan, İzmir, Divle, Çimi and Kargı each taste different.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Tulum Cheese (raw)
- Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | The Levant, Middle East | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, brined | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 days in brine | About 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Tulum 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 Tulum Cheese made of?
Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged about 6 months. It originates in Turkey.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.