Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is formed into blocks and aged in brine, giving it a creamy, salty, tangy, and sharp flavour. Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is commonly used in salads, baked dishes, and pizzas. It can be purchased in blocks or crumbled, with the block form generally having a longer shelf life and a more creamy flavour. Feta cheese blocks are available from various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and H-E-B.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Soft white cheese |
| Flavour | Creamy, salty, tangy, sharp |
| Texture | Firm yet crumbly |
| Milk | Sheep, goat, or a combination of both |
| Region | Greece |
| Preservation | Brine, olive oil |
| Use Cases | Salads, baked dishes, pizzas, flatbreads |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is made from sheep or goat's milk
Feta cheese is a Greek staple and is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. In the European Union (EU), feta is protected by legislation that ensures that any product labelled as "feta" is made in a traditional way in specific regions of Greece and contains at least 70% sheep's milk and no more than 30% goat's milk. This legislation also applies to Northern Ireland and other territories where feta is protected.
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese with a tangy, salty, and mildly sour taste. It is formed into blocks and aged in brine, which helps to keep the cheese moist and preserve its flavour and texture. The practice of preserving cheese in brine is ancient, with the earliest documentation appearing in Cato the Elder's De Agri Cultura in the 2nd century BC.
In the United States and other countries outside the EU, feta cheese may be made from cow's milk or a combination of other types of milk. However, some sources advise against buying feta cheese that does not explicitly state that it is made from sheep or goat's milk, as it may not be authentic feta and may have a less desirable taste.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in salads, pastries, sandwiches, and as a table cheese or part of a cheese platter. It can be served cooked or grilled, and pairs well with olive oil, olives, and aromatic herbs such as oregano.
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Blocks of feta are typically more creamy and flavoursome
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese made from sheep's milk or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is formed into blocks and aged in brine, which helps to keep the cheese moist and prevents it from drying out. Blocks of feta are typically more creamy and flavoursome than the pre-crumbled variety. This is because crumbled feta often contains cellulose or another anti-caking agent, which can dry out the cheese and shorten its shelf life.
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is commonly used in salads, baked dishes, and as a topping for pizzas. It is also used in Greek-themed dishes such as wraps, pasta salads, and baked feta pasta. The cheese has a distinct salty, tangy, and sharp flavour that can enhance many dishes.
When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to distinguish between the block and crumbled varieties. Blocks of feta are generally packed in brine and have a longer shelf life than crumbled feta. To ensure authenticity, consumers should look for the name "feta" on the label and avoid packages labelled as "Greek-style cheese" or "salad cheese."
Feta cheese blocks can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and specialty cheese shops. They can be used in a variety of dishes, such as flatbreads, salads, and antipasti. Feta preserved in olive oil is another option, where the cheese is layered with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, then soaked in olive oil for added flavour.
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Feta is a staple in Greek cuisine
Feta is a soft white cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is formed into blocks and aged in brine. Feta has a creamy, salty, tangy, and sharp flavour. It is a staple in Greek cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes.
In Greece, feta is commonly used in salads, baked dishes, and on pizzas. It is also a key ingredient in popular Greek dishes such as spanakopita (spinach and Swiss chard pie in a phyllo crust) and baked feta with bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. Feta is also used in spreads and sauces, such as the Gaea Greek P.D.O. feta and sundried tomato spread, which can be used as a dip, sauce, or in cooking.
When buying feta, it is best to look for blocks packed in brine, as they tend to keep longer than crumbled feta. Feta preserved in olive oil is another option and is common in the Mediterranean region. This method of preservation not only stores the cheese but also infuses the oil with flavour, creating a useful ingredient in itself.
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a creamy texture and a sharp, salty flavour. Its popularity in Greek cuisine is evident, and it has become a staple ingredient in many Greek dishes, adding a unique flavour to both traditional and modern recipes.
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Feta is often used in salads, baked dishes and on pizzas
Feta is a soft, white cheese made from sheep or goat's milk. It is often sold in blocks and is commonly used in Greek cuisine. Feta has a creamy, salty, tangy and sharp flavour, making it a perfect addition to salads, baked dishes and pizzas.
Salads
Feta is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a creamy, salty and tangy edge. It pairs well with watermelon, cucumber and beets. A Mediterranean lentil salad with chopped vegetables and feta is a great option for a quick lunch. For a Greek-inspired salad, combine romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, feta and olives, serving it with toasted pita brushed with olive oil and dried oregano or za'atar. Another Greek-inspired salad includes edamame for added protein, following the same recipe. Feta also works well with strawberries and crunchy walnuts in a spinach salad, or in a simple blend of greens, fruit and cheese with a light and zesty dressing.
Baked Dishes
Feta can be baked in a high-heated oven until tender and creamy. It can also be fried and drizzled with warmed honey, or wrapped in phyllo dough and baked. Baked feta is often served as an appetizer, with pita chips or toasted Italian bread. One recipe for baked feta involves arranging onions, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe dish, seasoning with oregano, red pepper flakes and thyme, drizzling with olive oil and placing the feta on top.
Pizzas
Feta is a delicious topping for pizzas, adding a tangy, bold flavour. It is a staple of Greek pizza, which also includes red onions, juicy tomatoes, oregano, Greek olives and creamy mozzarella. The feta adds a savoury note to the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes.
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Feta can be preserved in olive oil
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is formed into blocks and aged in brine. Feta cheese can be described as creamy, salty, tangy, and sharp. It is often used on salads, in baked dishes, and on pizzas.
Feta cheese can be preserved in olive oil. Oil is a remarkable preservative and has long been used to store vegetables, herbs, and cheeses, especially in the Mediterranean where olive oil is plentiful and cheap. In addition to preservation, olive oil also adds flavour to the feta cheese.
To preserve feta cheese in olive oil, cut the feta into cubes and put them into a clean jar. Add other ingredients such as garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Then, cover the ingredients entirely with olive oil. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry. The feta cheese preserved in olive oil will last indefinitely when stored in a cool and dark place. However, it is recommended to let it sit for at least one week before consuming it.
It is important to note that feta cheese preserved with garlic should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within three weeks due to the risk of botulism, a serious foodborne disease. The oil infused with garlic can be used for dipping, on salads, and as a finishing oil for soups.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese is made from sheep or goat’s milk and is shaped into blocks.
Feta cheese has a firm, crumbly texture and a salty flavour. It is also described as tangy, sharp and creamy.
Feta cheese is often imported in brine as this helps to keep the cheese moist and prevents it from drying out. Feta can also be preserved in olive oil.
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is used in salads, baked dishes, and on pizzas. It can also be used in flatbreads, antipasti, and dips.
Feta cheese blocks can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and H-E-B. Some specific brands offering feta cheese blocks include DeLallo, President, and Glenview Farms.
