Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It is used in many Mediterranean dishes and is known for its tangy and sharp flavour when made with sheep's milk and milder flavour when made with goat's milk. Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than other aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. An ounce of feta cheese, which is approximately 28 grams, contains about 74 to 75 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 74-75 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 6% |
| Protein | 21% |
| Vitamins | A, K, B |
| Minerals | Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus |
| Sodium | 312mg |
| Lactose | High |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese
Feta is a soft cheese with a creamy texture that can crumble when cut. It is formed into large blocks and aged in brine, a mixture of salt and water. The brine helps to intensify the flavour, maintain the soft and fresh texture, and improve the lifespan of the cheese. Feta is often sold in brine, and it is recommended to store it in this solution to preserve its freshness.
Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to other cheeses like aged cheddar or parmesan. One ounce (28 grams) of feta contains approximately 74 calories, while the same amount of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories. Feta is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, which promote bone health.
In terms of nutritional considerations, feta cheese is relatively high in sodium, containing 312 mg of sodium per ounce. For individuals sensitive to salt, reducing the salt content can be achieved by rinsing the cheese with water before consumption. Additionally, feta is an unripened cheese, resulting in a higher lactose content compared to aged cheeses. As such, people with lactose intolerance should exercise caution when consuming feta cheese.
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It's lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece and is now used in many Mediterranean dishes. It is made with milk from sheep and goats raised on local grass, which gives the cheese its unique characteristics. Feta has a tangy and sharp flavour when made with sheep's milk, but is milder when made with goat's milk.
Feta cheese is a healthy choice when compared to other cheeses. One ounce (28 grams) of feta has only 74-75 calories, while one ounce of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories. Feta is also lower in fat than these aged cheeses, with 6 grams of fat per ounce compared to 7 grams in cheddar or parmesan.
Feta cheese is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, which can promote bone health. It contains more calcium and B vitamins than other cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese. In addition, feta has beneficial bacteria and fatty acids.
However, feta cheese is relatively high in sodium, with 312 mg in a 1-ounce serving, which can account for up to 13% of your RDI. If you are sensitive to salt, you can reduce the salt content by rinsing the cheese with water before eating it.
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Feta contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids
Feta cheese is a soft, white, brined cheese that is a staple in Greek cuisine. It is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, with the former typically needing to make up at least 70% of the mixture. Feta is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, all of which are known to promote bone health.
Feta cheese also contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids. The cheese contains friendly bacteria that promote immune and intestinal health and have anti-inflammatory effects. These bacteria include Lactobacillus plantarum, which may help support gut health. Feta is also a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that has been shown to improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. Studies have also shown that CLA may help prevent diabetes and has anti-cancer effects. However, it is important to note that some studies suggest that CLA can negatively affect sugar metabolism and cholesterol levels.
In addition to its beneficial bacteria and fatty acids, feta cheese is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains decent amounts of vitamins A and K, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, and magnesium. Feta also has a higher calcium content than other cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese.
When it comes to calories, feta cheese is a low-calorie option compared to other cheeses. One ounce (28 grams) of feta cheese contains approximately 74 calories, while the same amount of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories. However, it is worth noting that feta cheese is relatively high in sodium, with 312 mg of sodium in a 1-ounce serving, contributing to up to 13% of your RDI.
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It's high in sodium, with 312mg per ounce
Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese with a creamy texture. It is a staple in Greek cuisine and is used in many Mediterranean dishes. Feta cheese is known for its tangy and sharp flavour when made with sheep's milk and milder flavour when made with goat's milk.
While feta cheese is often considered a healthy choice due to its low-calorie and low-fat content, it is important to note that it is relatively high in sodium. Specifically, feta cheese contains approximately 312 mg of sodium per ounce (28 grams), which contributes to about 13% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for sodium. This makes it a significant source of sodium in the diet.
The high sodium content in feta cheese may be a concern for individuals who need to monitor their salt intake. For those sensitive to salt, there are simple ways to reduce the salt content of feta cheese. One method is to rinse the cheese with water before consumption, which can help lower the overall sodium content.
It is worth noting that feta cheese also provides several essential nutrients, including vitamins A and K, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, and magnesium. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which are important for bone health. Additionally, feta contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids.
In conclusion, while feta cheese offers various nutritional benefits and is generally considered a healthy choice, its high sodium content should be noted. For individuals monitoring their salt intake, adjusting the amount of feta consumed or employing methods to reduce its salt content, such as rinsing, may be advisable.
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Feta is a staple in Greek cuisine
Feta is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece. It has been a part of Greek culture and cuisine for nearly 8,000 years, with the first documented reference appearing in Homer's Odyssey. In this ancient text, Ulysses discovers cheesemaking in the cave of Polyphemus, the Cyclops. Feta is typically made with sheep's milk, although up to 30% of the milk can come from goats. The tangy, sharp flavour of feta comes from sheep's milk, while goat's milk lends a milder taste. The creamy yet crumbly texture and tangy, briny flavour of feta are what make it unique.
Feta is also a key ingredient in the famous Greek dish, Spanakopita, a savoury pie filled with spinach, feta, and phyllo pastry. Feta is also commonly used in Greek-style omelettes, known as 'frittatas', and in stuffed vegetables, like gemista.
In addition to its culinary importance, feta holds cultural significance in Greece. It is considered an integral part of Greek culture and history, with its unique history, tradition, and geographic location distinguishing it from other cheeses. Feta is so revered in Greece that it has been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning only cheese made in certain regions of Greece can be labelled as "feta".
Feta cheese is also known for its health benefits. It is lower in fat and calories compared to other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. An ounce of feta (28 grams) contains approximately 74 calories and 6 grams of fat, while an ounce of cheddar or parmesan has more than 110 calories and 7 grams of fat. Feta is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, which promote bone health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 74-75 calories in an ounce of feta cheese.
Feta cheese is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. One ounce of cheddar or parmesan contains more than 110 calories and 7 grams of fat.
Feta is a soft, white, and brined cheese that originated in Greece and is now a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, protein, and B vitamins, as well as beneficial bacteria and fatty acids. However, it is also high in sodium and lactose.
Feta cheese is generally safe to consume for most people. However, it may not be recommended for those with certain health conditions, especially those who are sensitive to salt, allergic or intolerant to lactose, or pregnant women who should avoid unpasteurized cheese.
