
Kasseri is a Greek semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is known for its smooth texture and tangy flavour. Kasseri cheese is not considered lactose-free, as it is made from fresh and unpasteurized milk, which contains lactose. However, some sources claim that Kasseri is generally considered lactose-free, as most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process, and the remaining lactose is further broken down as the cheese ages. Due to individual variations in lactose tolerance, some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume small amounts of Kasseri cheese without experiencing any adverse effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-free | No, Kasseri cheese is not lactose-free as it is made from fresh and unpasteurized milk which contains lactose. However, most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process, and as the cheese ages, the remaining lactose is further broken down. |
| Suitable for lactose intolerant individuals | Not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, everyone's tolerance to lactose varies, so some people might be able to consume small amounts without any issues. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kasseri cheese is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk
- It is a semi-hard Greek cheese with a tangy flavour and smooth texture
- It is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
- Kasseri is a good source of calcium, vitamins and protein
- It is gluten-free but not vegetarian-friendly

Kasseri cheese is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk
Kasseri cheese is not lactose-free. It is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth texture and a tangy, unique flavour. The cheese is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is traditionally made by heating a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, then adding rennet to curdle the milk. The curds are then cut and heated, and the whey is drained off. The remaining curds are then pressed into moulds to form the cheese.
Kasseri cheese is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese, which means it must be made in specific Greek regions such as Thessaly, Macedonia, Lesbos, or Xanthi. It is also consumed in sandwiches as the main constituent in kasseropita and saganaki, a fried cheese appetizer served with a squeeze of lemon. The production process involves curdling milk with rennet and then ageing it for several months. This maturation contributes to the development of Kasseri's distinct flavour and texture.
The combination of sheep's and goat's milk gives Kasseri cheese a mild and creamy flavour with a hint of sweetness. Some people liken its taste to a mix of Gruyère and Fontina cheeses. The texture of the cheese is smooth and elastic, making it perfect for slicing or melting. It has a golden-yellow colour and a slightly buttery aroma.
Kasseri cheese is traditionally aged for several months to develop its distinct flavour and texture. However, most modern versions available in markets are younger and have a milder taste. When aged, Kasseri cheese develops a complex flavour profile with nutty undertones and a slightly tangy finish. Its semi-hard texture makes it ideal for grating over dishes or melting in sandwiches and casseroles.
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It is a semi-hard Greek cheese with a tangy flavour and smooth texture
Kasseri cheese is a semi-hard Greek cheese with a tangy flavour and smooth texture. It is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. The cheese gets its name from the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. It is a PDO cheese that must be produced in Greek regions like Thessaly, Macedonia, Lesbos, or Xanthi. The same cheese made with cow's milk is not legally sold as "kasseri" in the EU.
Kasseri cheese has a unique and distinct flavour that is mildly tangy and slightly salty. It is known for its fantastic melting capability and is often used in Greek cuisine. It is commonly used in dishes such as saganaki, a fried cheese appetizer, and moussaka, a traditional eggplant and meat casserole. It can also be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and as a pizza topping.
Kasseri cheese is produced using a traditional pasta filata method, which involves stretching and kneading the curd in hot water. This gives the cheese its characteristic elasticity and makes it suitable for grilling, frying, or melting. The cheese is typically aged for at least three to four months, during which time it develops a richer and more complex flavour.
While Kasseri cheese is not considered lactose-free, it is important to note that most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process. As the cheese ages, the remaining lactose is further broken down. Therefore, individuals with lactose intolerance may be able to consume small amounts of Kasseri cheese without experiencing any adverse effects. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
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It is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
Kasseri cheese is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth texture and a tangy flavour. It is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated.
Kasseri cheese is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. This is because it is made from fresh and unpasteurised milk, which contains lactose. While most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process, and the remaining lactose is further broken down as the cheese ages, there are still traces of lactose present. As a result, people with lactose intolerance may have trouble digesting Kasseri cheese and other dairy products. However, it's important to note that everyone's tolerance to lactose varies, so some people with lactose intolerance may find they can consume small amounts of Kasseri cheese without any issues.
The presence of lactose in Kasseri cheese means that it is also not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies. Dairy allergies are caused by a sensitivity to the proteins found in milk, and lactose is a type of sugar found in milk. Therefore, individuals with dairy allergies need to avoid all forms of dairy, including lactose.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions related to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. They can provide personalised advice and suggestions for managing your condition effectively.
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Kasseri is a good source of calcium, vitamins and protein
Kasseri cheese is not lactose-free and is, therefore, unsuitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, it is a good source of calcium, vitamins, and protein.
Kasseri is a Greek semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a smooth texture and a tangy flavour. The cheese is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. Kasseri is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese that can only be produced in specific Greek regions, such as Thessaly, Macedonia, Lesbos, or Xanthi.
In terms of nutritional content, Kasseri cheese is an excellent source of calcium. One ounce (28 grams) of Kasseri cheese provides around 15-20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium. It is also a good source of protein, with approximately 6- 7.3 grams of protein per ounce.
In addition to calcium and protein, Kasseri cheese contains essential vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin D. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health.
When incorporating Kasseri cheese into your diet, it is important to consider portion sizes and overall calorie intake. One ounce of Kasseri cheese contains approximately 100-110 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of around 4% carbs, 74% fat, and 22% protein. It is always advisable to check product labels and consult reliable sources for accurate nutritional information.
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It is gluten-free but not vegetarian-friendly
Kasseri cheese is a Greek semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy flavour and a smooth texture. It is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. It is typically aged for at least three to four months, during which time it develops a richer and more complex flavour.
Kasseri cheese is not lactose-free. It is made from fresh and unpasteurised milk, which contains lactose. While most of the lactose is removed during the cheese-making process, the cheese is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. However, everyone's tolerance to lactose is different, and some people may be able to consume small amounts of Kasseri cheese without any issues.
Kasseri cheese is gluten-free. However, it is not considered vegetarian-friendly due to the use of animal-based rennet in its production. Rennet is an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of calves and is used to coagulate the milk during the cheese-making process.
Kasseri cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins A, B12, and D. It is high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. When incorporating Kasseri cheese into your diet, it is important to consider portion sizes and overall calorie intake.
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Frequently asked questions
Kasseri cheese is made from fresh and unpasteurized milk, which contains lactose. Therefore, it is not lactose-free and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. However, as the cheese ages, the remaining lactose is further broken down, so some lactose-intolerant individuals may be able to consume small amounts without issue.
Kasseri cheese is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk.
Kasseri cheese is commonly used in Greek cuisine, especially in dishes such as saganaki and moussaka. It can also be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for pizzas.
























