List of Israeli cheeses

The history of cheese in ancient Israel can be traced back to biblical times. Milk and cheese were an important part of the diet of the ancient Israelites, and cheese-making was a common practice among them. The process of making cheese in ancient Israel was similar to that used today. Milk was first heated and then a coagulant, such as rennet, was added to cause the milk to curdle. The curd was then separated from the whey, which was used to make other foods. The cheese was usually formed into balls or cylinders and then stored in a cool place to age. Cheese was often used as a source of protein and was eaten as a snack or added to dishes to give them flavor.[9]

There were several types of cheese that were popular in ancient Israel. One of the most well-known was called "gevinah," which was a soft, white cheese similar to feta. This cheese was made by adding salt and spices to the curd before it was shaped and aged. Another popular cheese was "marvad," which was a harder cheese that was similar to Parmesan. This cheese was made by pressing the curd and then aging it for several months. Ancient Israel was so active in cheesemaking that the Jewish historian Josephus wrote that the ravine which separated Mount Moriah from Mount Zion in Jerusalem was dubbed the "Valley of the Cheese Makers" by locals.[9]

Cheese was also an important part of religious ceremonies in ancient Israel. It was often used as an offering to the gods and was also served during religious festivals and feasts. In the Jewish tradition, cheese is still an important part of the celebration of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. It is customary to eat dairy foods, including cheese, on this holiday. Cheese has been an important part of the diet and culture of the ancient Israelites for thousands of years. Cheese-making was a common practice, and several types of cheese were popular, including soft white cheese and hard, aged cheese. Cheese was also used in religious ceremonies, and it continues to play an important role in Jewish tradition today.[10]

A variety of Israeli cheeses.

Straw baskets used traditionally in the production of Tzfatit

Cheeses for sale at the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv.

The well known Tzfatit, or Tzfat Cheese, a semi-hard salty sheep's milk cheese was first produced in Safed (Tzfat in Hebrew) in 1840 and is still produced there by descendants of the original cheese makers.[11] Tzfatit began to be produced in 1818 at HaMeiri Dairy, established in the home of Meir Arzoni (later HaMeiri), who immigrated from Persia.[12] Gvina sfattit is a mild curd cheese molded in a basket that gives the cheese distinctive circular striations.[13]

Though the Middle East is considered to be the birthplace of cheese, the development of gourmet artisanal cheese industry in modern Israel has been slower than that of its European and North American counterparts. The success of dairy farming in Israel was unexpected and considered a crowning achievement for the country since it wasn't believed that cows could thrive in Israel's harsh, mostly desert climate. Two main types of cheese, yellow or white, were the usual cheeses consumed by Israelites until recently. In the 1980s, due to the moderate increase in Israel's security and stability, as well as a growing economy and the standard of living starting to improve as a result of Israel transitioning from a developing country to a developed country, and a socialist economy to a free market based economy, around this time, as well the impact of international tourism, privately owned dairies began producing a vast variety of high quality handmade cheeses from cow, goat and sheep's milk. Gilboa cheese is a kosher sheep's milk cheese originating from the Gilboa Mountains in Israel. It is often compared to Manchego cheese, Gilboa has a slightly lemony flavor compared to a Spanish manchego. Another kosher Israeli cheese not of note is Kadurim Rolled Chevre, which is made of fresh goat cheese and rolled with such flavors as sesame seeds, Herbs de Provence, cracked black pepper, sun-dried tomato, and raspberry.

A cheese plate featuring various Israeli cheeses including gvina levana, galil cheese, bulgarit, Israeli feta, cottage cheese, and Emek cheese.

Gvina levana is a soft spreadable cheese that is slightly similar to cream cheese and quark cheese, and is used as a spread on bread, dip, and most commonly as an integral ingredient in Israeli cheesecake.

Israeli salad topped with Israeli feta.

One of the most popular types of cheese in Israel is Israeli feta. This salty, crumbly cheese is made from sheep or goat milk and has a tangy flavor that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Israeli feta is often used as a topping for salads or as a filling for pastries such as borekas or bourekas.

Labneh is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from strained yogurt. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a thick, spreadable texture. Labneh is often served as a dip or spread, accompanied by fresh herbs, olives, or other toppings.

A small wheel of Tzfatit

Tzfatit is a type of cheese that originates from the city of Safed in northern Israel. It is a hard, crumbly cheese that is similar in texture to feta but has a milder, sweeter flavor. Tzfatit is often used as a topping for salads or as a filling for pastries.

Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese that is traditionally made from sheep or goat milk. This cheese originated from Cyprus, but has gained popularity in Israel and it is produced locally in Israel by several companies. It has a unique texture that is both chewy and creamy, and a flavor that is slightly tangy and nutty. Halloumi is often grilled or fried and served as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and salads.

Akashi cheese served with cherries.

Akkawi is a soft, white cheese originating from the Israeli port city of Akko, and popular among Arab Israelis that is made from cow or goat milk. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that makes it ideal for spreading on bread or crackers. Akkawi is also commonly used as a filling for pastries such as manakish or fatayer.

Sambusak filled with bulgarit cheese.

Bulgarit, or Bulgarian cheese is a white, crumbly cheese that is made from sheep milk. It is different than the Bulgarian sirene, Bulgarit is a cheese originating from the Bulgarian Jews, who brought it to Israel and traditionally used it in a variety of dishes such as bourekas. Bulgarit is a tangy, slightly salty flavor and a texture that is similar to feta cheese. Bulgarit one of the most popular cheeses of Israel today, and is often used as in the filling for bourekas, sambusak and other similar dishes, and is often used in salads or as a topping for bread or crackers.

Kefir cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from kefir, a fermented milk drink. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a spreadable texture. It is often used as a dip or spread and is a popular addition to breakfast dishes.

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that is traditionally made in the Netherlands. However, it is also produced in Israel, with many Israeli versions incorporating unique flavors and spices. Israeli Gouda is often smoked, aged, or infused with herbs, giving it a distinct flavor profile.

Har Bracha is a hard, salty cheese that is made from sheep milk. It is produced in the Jewish settlement of Har Bracha near Shechem and is often used in traditional Jewish cuisine, such as on Shabbat or during festivals.

P’titim, also known as Israeli couscous or pearl couscous, is a pasta that is shaped like small balls. In Israel, it is often served as a side dish or mixed with vegetables and sauces. P’titim cheese is a type of processed cheese that is specifically made to be used with P’titim. It has a mild flavor and a creamy texture that complements the pasta well.

Kashkaval is a semi-hard, yellow cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, elastic texture. Kashkaval is often grated or melted and used as a topping for pizza or as a filling for sandwiches.

Kaseri is a semi-hard, yellow cheese that is made from sheep milk originally from Greece. It was brought to Israel by Greek Jews, and is now made by several companies locally. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a crumbly texture. Kaseri is often used as a topping for salads, pizza, or other dishes.

Tzfat cheese is a white, crumbly cheese that originated in the city of Tzfat in the Galilee region of Israel. It is made from goat or sheep milk and has a tangy, slightly salty flavor. Tzfat cheese is often used in salads or as a topping for bread or crackers.

Aris cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a texture that is similar to cream cheese. Aris cheese is often used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for sandwiches.

Shifra cheese is a semi-hard, yellow cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture. Shifra cheese is often used as a topping for salads or as a filling for sandwiches.

A wedge of Galil cheese.

Galil cheese is a semi-hard, yellow cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Galil cheese is often used as a topping for pizza or as a filling for sandwiches.

Halumi cheese is an Israeli variant of the Cypriot halloumi cheese, a semi-hard, salty cheese that is made from goat or sheep milk. It is slightly firmer and saltier than the Cypriot version, and has a distinct, chewy texture that makes it ideal for grilling or frying. Halumi cheese is often served as a side dish or as a topping for salads.

Adom cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a texture that is similar to cream cheese. Adom cheese is often used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for sandwiches.

Labaneh is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from strained yogurt. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a thick, spreadable texture. Labaneh is often served as a dip or spread, and is commonly enjoyed with pita bread or vegetables.

Eshkeneh cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a texture that is similar to cream cheese. Eshkeneh cheese is often used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for sandwiches.

Jibneh Arabieh is a white, crumbly cheese that is made from goat or sheep milk. It is commonly made in the Galilee in the north of Israel as well as in the Negev Desert in the south of Israel. It has a tangy, slightly salty flavor and a texture that is similar to feta cheese. Jibneh Arabieh is often used in salads or as a topping for bread or crackers.

Charisma cheese is a semi-hard, yellow cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Charisma cheese is often used as a topping for pizza or as a filling for sandwiches.

Rosh Hanikra cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from cow milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a texture that is similar to cream cheese. Rosh Hanikra cheese is often used as a filling for pastries or as a topping for sandwiches.