Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese that has become a staple in many dishes, and it appears that Giant Food Stores stocks this variety of cheese. Giant Food Stores is a well-known grocery chain, and it offers a wide range of products, including feta cheese, which is a popular choice for many shoppers. This paragraph aims to provide an overview of the availability of feta cheese at Giant Food Stores and explore the different ways shoppers incorporate this versatile ingredient into their meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese calories
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese that is a staple of Greek cuisine. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk. Feta is a good source of nutrients like calcium and protein, but it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat.
When it comes to calories, feta cheese is considered a low-calorie food. Compared to other cheeses, it has a lower calorie content. However, it is important to note that feta cheese still contains calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
While feta cheese is generally healthy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, feta cheese has a high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to increased blood pressure and ongoing health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, it is important to monitor your sodium intake when consuming feta cheese or any other high-sodium foods.
Another consideration is the presence of saturated fats in feta cheese. Saturated fats should be limited to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. Additionally, soft unpasteurized cheeses like feta can sometimes contain Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can cause flu-like symptoms in adults and harm a fetus. For this reason, pregnant women are advised to avoid unpasteurized feta cheese.
Overall, feta cheese can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is important to be mindful of its sodium and saturated fat content. As with any food, enjoying feta cheese as part of a balanced and varied diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Feta cheese recipes
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bakes. Here are some delicious feta cheese recipes to try:
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad is a must-try for feta cheese lovers. Combine fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers with kalamata olives and a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season with oregano and black pepper for a tangy and refreshing dish.
Baked Feta
For a warm and creamy appetizer, try baking a block of quality feta cheese with bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add a few pinches of oregano and thyme. Bake it in a high-heated oven until the feta is tender and creamy. Serve it with crusty bread or homemade pita chips for a delicious Mediterranean treat.
Feta Pasta
Feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy twist to pasta dishes. Cook your favourite pasta and drain it. Add a bit of butter and crumbled feta, letting it melt, then mix in cherry tomatoes, black olives, and oregano. You can also try adding chicken, bacon, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
Roasted Vegetables with Feta
Feta cheese pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables. Try zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, or sweet potatoes. Simply roast your chosen vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then top with crumbled feta before serving. The salty and creamy feta complements the roasted vegetables perfectly.
Feta Breakfasts
Feta cheese can also be a tasty addition to breakfast dishes. Try adding it to a omelette or a Spanish tortilla with sun-dried tomatoes. For a heartier option, bake boneless skinless chicken thighs with feta, artichokes, and a squeeze of lemon. Or, for a vegetarian option, add feta to a broccoli and cheese breakfast casserole.
With its tangy flavour and creamy texture, feta cheese is a wonderful ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen. These recipes showcase its versatility and are sure to please any feta enthusiast!
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Types of feta cheese
Feta is typically associated with Greece, and while the salty, tangy cheese is indeed popular there, there are several other varieties produced around the world. The type of milk used and the place of origin can significantly impact the flavour and texture of feta cheese.
Greek Feta
Greek feta is traditionally made with sheep's milk, with some versions using up to 30% goat's milk, resulting in a crumbly texture. It is known for its salty and tangy flavour and is usually rich and creamy. Greek feta is ideal for adding to salads or crumbling on top of a burger. It is also delicious when whipped.
French Feta
French feta, often called Valbreso, is made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk. It tends to be creamier and milder than Greek feta. French feta has a very creamy texture and is excellent for roasting with vegetables, mixing into pasta, or adding to omelettes.
Bulgarian Feta
Bulgarian feta is distinct from Greek and French varieties, with a firm yet creamy and tangy character. It is ideal for blending into dips and withstanding heat in dishes like a Bulgarian cheese pie or frittata.
American Feta
American feta is often made with cow's milk, resulting in a drier texture. It tends to be milder in flavour and may exhibit lemony notes. American feta is suitable for recipes where you want the cheese to hold its shape, such as baked feta bites.
Other Varieties
Feta cheese is also produced in other countries like Israel, Italy, Denmark, and Australia, each with its own unique characteristics. For instance, Israeli feta is known for its full flavour and creamy texture, usually made from sheep's milk.
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Health benefits of feta cheese
Feta cheese, a traditional Greek cheese, is a healthy choice and can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. It is made from sheep's and goat's milk and has a soft, crumbly texture, a salty flavour, and a slight tang.
Feta is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins. Calcium is essential for muscle and nerve function, as well as for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Feta also contains phosphorus, which may help maintain bone density. However, excessive phosphorus intake may weaken bones in people with kidney disease. Protein is crucial for muscle, skin, and blood health, and it helps our bodies grow, develop, and repair.
Feta also contains beneficial microbes, including yeasts and bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum, which support gut health and promote a healthy gut by protecting the intestinal tract from harmful bacteria. Probiotics may also aid in managing blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of diabetes, and have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Feta is a source of fatty acids, specifically conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to improved body composition by reducing body fat and increasing lean mass. It also contains fat, which helps contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety. However, it is important to note that feta is high in sodium and saturated fat, so consumption should be in moderation.
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Substitutes for feta cheese
Feta is a hard, tangy, and salty cheese with a unique flavour and firm, crumbly texture. It is most commonly associated with Greek cuisine, although it is also made in other countries such as Denmark and Bulgaria. If you are looking for a substitute for feta cheese, there are several options available, depending on the recipe and your personal preference.
Halloumi is a semi-firm, salty, and savoury Cypriot cheese that can be a good substitute for feta in some instances, primarily due to its similar texture. It is firmer than feta, maintaining its shape when cooked, but it lacks the tanginess of feta.
Ricotta Salata is another Italian cheese that can serve as a feta substitute when you want a similar crumbly texture and mildly salty flavour. It is made from pressed and aged ricotta and lacks the tang of feta, making it a good choice for those who prefer a milder cheese.
Goat cheese is also suggested as a substitute for feta, especially if you are looking for a tangier, creamier, and less salty option. Fresh goat cheese adds a similar cheesy goodness to dishes.
If you are looking for a dairy-free option, salted capers or creamy hummus can provide a similar salty flavour explosion to feta. Chunks of avocado can also add creamy goodness and substance to your dish, especially with a squeeze of lemon or lime and some sea salt flakes.
For those who are open to trying different types of feta, there is also Persian feta, which is softer, creamier, and less salty than Greek feta, and Danish feta, which has a smoother, creamier texture and flavour, with less saltiness and earthiness and more tanginess.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Giant Food Store sells feta cheese.
There are 80 calories in Giant feta cheese.
The amount of time it takes to burn off 80 calories of Giant feta cheese will depend on your energy needs and level of physical activity.
