Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a staple of Greek cuisine, made from goat or sheep's milk. It is known for its crumbly, white texture and tangy taste. Feta cheese is also lower in fat and calories compared to other aged cheeses. Whey, on the other hand, is a by-product of the cheese-making process and is formed when curds separate from the cream or milk in cheese. It is often drained from the cheese before it is finished, but some cheeses, like feta, may contain a certain portion of whey, which contributes to a lighter texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does feta cheese contain whey? | Yes, some feta cheeses contain whey. |
| What is whey? | Whey is a type of milk protein and a by-product of the cheese-making process. |
| Why is whey added to feta cheese? | Producers leave a certain portion of whey in feta cheese to add water content and create a lighter texture. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is made from goat or sheep's milk
Feta cheese is a staple of Greek cuisine and is traditionally made from goat or sheep's milk. It has a distinct tangy taste and a crumbly, white texture. Feta cheese is also produced in Israel and other parts of the world, and some variants are made with cow's milk.
In the United States, labelling rules dictate that cow's milk can be listed as "milk" in the ingredients, while other types of milk, such as goat or sheep's milk, must be identified by the animal name. Therefore, it is essential to look for the specific mention of "goat milk" or "sheep milk" on the package to ensure you are purchasing authentic feta cheese made from the traditional ingredients.
Feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk offers some nutritional advantages. Milk from sheep and goats contains higher levels of calcium and phosphorus than cow's milk. Feta cheese is already known for its relatively high calcium content compared to other cheeses, and choosing the goat or sheep milk variety can further boost your calcium intake. Additionally, feta cheese made with sheep's milk has a higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that offers various health benefits, including potential anti-cancer effects.
Some feta cheeses may contain whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey is the liquid that separates from the curds during cheese production. In some cases, the whey is strained from feta cheese, while other producers leave a portion of it in, as it adds water content and creates a lighter texture.
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Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process
Whey is a type of milk protein, and it constitutes about 20% of milk protein, with casein making up the remaining 80%. When whey is processed, it is dehydrated, and lactose, ash, and some minerals are removed. The resulting whey concentrate contains more biologically active components and protein, making it popular among athletes for muscle building and recovery. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey available but is more processed than concentrate, with almost all lactose and fat removed.
Whey is also used as an additive in various food products, such as salad dressing and infant formula. Additionally, whey is a key ingredient in making Gjetost, a traditional Norwegian cheese. To make Gjetost, whey is slowly heated until the water evaporates and the milk sugar forms a brown, caramelized paste. Milk or cream is then added to this mixture.
While whey is often considered a by-product, it is now recognized as a valuable source of nutrients and protein. In fact, research has shown that whey protein can effectively boost muscle growth and recovery, making it a popular supplement for active individuals.
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Feta is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses
Feta cheese is a low-calorie, low-fat cheese. It is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. For example, one ounce (28 grams) of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories and 7 grams of fat, whereas one ounce of feta has only 74 calories and 6 grams of fat. Feta is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, all of which are important for bone health.
Feta cheese is typically made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk. It is a white cheese with a soft, crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor. The process of making feta cheese involves warming milk, adding rennet to separate the curds from the whey, draining the whey, adding salt to the curds, and then ageing the cheese in a saltwater brine. Some producers leave a portion of the whey in the cheese to create a lighter texture.
Feta cheese is a common ingredient in Greek cuisine and is often used in dishes such as salads, appetizers, and desserts. It is known for its strong flavour and soft texture. Feta is also a good source of protein and beneficial bacteria, which can promote gut health and support immune system function.
While feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than some other cheeses, it is important to note that it is high in sodium and saturated fat. Excessive sodium in the diet has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume feta in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Feta contains friendly bacteria with anti-inflammatory effects
Feta cheese is a soft, white-coloured cheese typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, known for its rich aroma and slightly tangy and sour taste. It is generally produced in Greece and Israel, although it is made all over the world and in private homes.
Feta is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, protein, and B vitamins. It has been shown to contain Lactobacillus plantarum, which accounts for about 48% of its bacteria. These bacteria can help promote immune system and gut health by protecting the intestinal tract from disease-causing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Feta also contains friendly bacteria that have anti-inflammatory effects. These bacteria increase the production of compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response. Additionally, feta contains histidine, which, when combined with vitamin B6, becomes histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Feta cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid found in animal products. It has been shown to improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. CLA may also help prevent diabetes and has shown anti-cancer effects.
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Whey is dehydrated and stripped of lactose, ash and minerals when processed
Whey is a by-product of the cheese-making process. It is the liquid that remains after curds separate from the cream or milk in cheese. Whey is often drained from the cheese before it is finished, though some cheese-makers choose to leave a certain portion of whey in to create a softer, creamier texture.
Whey is dehydrated and stripped of lactose, ash, and minerals when processed. This process creates whey protein concentrate, which contains more biologically active components and protein, making it effective for athletes seeking muscle building and recovery. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey available but is more processed than the concentrate. It is made by removing almost every bit of lactose and fat, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. However, the protein concentration of whey protein isolate is high, and much of the protein is denatured, making it less effective.
Hydrolyzed whey protein is another form of whey that has been treated with acid and heated to high temperatures to isolate the protein. This process is said to make the whey easier to absorb. Research has shown that hydrolyzed whey protein has similar effects to whey protein concentrate in terms of muscle growth and recovery.
Some cheeses, such as ricotta and cottage cheese, are known to contain whey protein. Feta cheese, a common cheese produced in Greece and Israel, may also contain whey, depending on the production method. Some producers strain the whey from feta cheese, while others leave a portion of it in to create a lighter texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some feta cheese contains whey. Whey is often strained from feta cheese, but some producers leave a certain portion in to create a lighter texture.
Whey is a type of milk protein. It is the translucent liquid that separates from the curds during the cheese-making process.
Whey is included in some feta cheeses to increase the water content, creating a lighter texture.
Other cheeses that contain whey include ricotta, cottage cheese, and farmer's cheese.
Yes, whey is also found in some non-cheese foods such as yogurt, salad dressing, and infant formula.
