Ackawi Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese

Q: Is Ackawi Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

No. Ackawi Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Ackawi Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a traditional firm cheese made in the historical counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. It is crafted from locally sourced cow’s milk and matures for at least 9 months. The cheese has a creamy yellow color and a nutty, full-rounded flavor with a hint of sharpness. It is made using a process that includes cheddaring, milling, and mechanical pressing. The milk primarily comes from the cheesemakers' own herds and nearby farms. The method of production has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century. The cheese is matured naturally within the designated geographical area to develop its distinct taste.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ackawi Cheese	West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria	—
Specific Origin	—	Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft, brined	Firm
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	—	Minimum 9 months
Taste	Mild, milky, salty	Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.

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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.