Sheep Milk Feta: Which Brands To Try?

Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese that is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. In the European Union, feta must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk and up to 30% goat's milk, and it must be produced in specific regions of Greece. Outside of the EU, feta-style cheeses made with cow's milk are common, especially in the United States. However, these cheeses cannot be legally labelled as feta due to the EU's protected designation of origin. Several brands, such as Green Dirt Farm, Odysea, and Nordic Creamery, offer sheep's milk feta cheese that adheres to the traditional production methods and standards of feta cheese.

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Feta cheese is made from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk

Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese that is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. The use of sheep's milk gives feta its characteristic tangy and salty flavour, with a slightly grainy and crumbly texture. The production of feta cheese first began in the Eastern Mediterranean and around the Black Sea, eventually expanding to other countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In the European Union, feta is a protected designation of origin product, and only cheeses produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods can be labelled as feta. These regions include Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessalia, Mainland Greece, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the island of Mytilini or Lesvos. The EU legislation states that feta must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk and up to a maximum of 30% goat's milk. This blend of sheep's and goat's milk is crucial to achieving the distinctive flavour and aroma of feta, and any cheese that uses more goat's milk or substitutes cow's milk tends to lack the sharp bite of traditional feta.

High-quality feta should have a creamy texture and aromas of ewe's milk, butter, and yoghurt. On the palate, it is tangy, slightly salty, and mildly sour, with a spicy finish reminiscent of pepper and ginger, along with a hint of sweetness. The specific aroma and flavour of feta are influenced by the biodiversity of the land and the unique diets of the sheep and goats from which the milk is sourced.

Some brands that offer feta cheese made from sheep's milk include Green Dirt Farm, Odysea, and Nordic Creamery. These companies take pride in their traditional production methods and the distinct flavour profiles of their feta cheese.

In the US, feta is mostly made from cow's milk

Feta is a Greek brined white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It is soft, crumbly, and slightly grainy, with a tangy and salty flavour. In the United States, however, most cheese sold under the name feta is made from cow's milk. This is because US labelling rules state that cow's milk can be listed as just "milk" in the ingredients, whereas milk from other animals, such as goats or sheep, must be specified.

Some brands of feta cheese in the US, such as Valbreso, are made from sheep's milk and have a nuttier and more complex flavour. However, these brands may be more difficult to find and are typically more expensive.

If you are looking for traditional feta cheese made from sheep's milk, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully. If the label simply says "'milk,'" it is likely made from cow's milk. Look for labels that specifically state "sheep's milk" or "goat's milk" to ensure you are getting the authentic product.

In terms of taste and texture, feta made from cow's milk will differ from traditional feta. Cow's milk feta may have a milder flavour and a softer texture compared to the tangier, crumblier sheep's milk feta.

While US-made feta may not adhere to the traditional ingredients and methods, it is still widely consumed and enjoyed by many. However, for those seeking the authentic feta experience, it is important to look for cheese made with sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk.

In the EU, feta must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk

Feta is a Greek brined white cheese with a tangy and salty flavour. It is soft, crumbly, and has a slightly grainy texture. It is formed into large blocks and aged in brine. Feta is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. In the EU, feta must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk. This is due to EU legislation that limits the name "feta" to cheeses produced in the traditional way in specific areas of Greece, using sheep's milk. The legislation also allows for a mixture of sheep's milk and up to 30% goat milk from the same area.

Feta made from sheep's milk is considered traditional and has a rich, tangy flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, eggs, and roasted vegetables. It pairs well with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and crusty bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also complements crisp white wines or light, fruity reds.

Some brands that offer sheep's milk feta include Green Dirt Farm, which produces artisan sheep's milk feta cheese. Their cheese is made with 100% sheep's milk and has a crumbly, salty goodness. It has a rich and slightly creamy texture and is a versatile addition to various dishes. Green Dirt Farm ships its cheese perishable and packed with ice packs to ensure it arrives safely.

Another brand that offers sheep's milk feta is Walmart, which sells a traditional feta cheese made with sheep's milk. However, it is important to read the labels carefully as some Walmart feta cheeses are made with cow's milk.

In summary, feta is a delicious and versatile cheese that is traditionally made with sheep's milk in the EU. It has a tangy and salty flavour and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Green Dirt Farm and Walmart are two brands that offer sheep's milk feta, with Green Dirt Farm specialising in artisan sheep's milk products.

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Feta is a semi-hard, white cheese with a tangy, salty taste

Feta made from cow's milk, which is common in the United States, tends to have a more subtle and less tangy flavour than traditional sheep and goat milk feta. However, the taste of feta can vary depending on the type of milk used and the region it is produced in. For example, Israeli feta is known for being full-flavoured and creamy, while French feta is typically mild and creamy.

In terms of brands that make sheep milk feta, Green Dirt Farm offers an artisan sheep's milk feta cheese. Their cheese is described as crumbly and salty, with rich, tangy flavours. It is vacuum-sealed with brine to preserve freshness and is recommended to be enjoyed within two weeks of opening. Green Dirt Farm ships its cheese on Mondays and Tuesdays and offers free shipping for orders over $50 within a 900-mile radius of their dairy farm in Weston, Missouri.

When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully. In the United States, if the ingredient list says "milk" without specifying the animal, it is usually cow's milk. However, if it is made from a different type of milk, the label will specify, such as "sheep milk" or "goat milk."

Green Dirt Farm and Nordic Creamery sell sheep's milk feta cheese

Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. The use of sheep's milk gives feta its characteristic tangy, salty, and mildly sour taste, with a hint of sweetness. The diet of the sheep also influences the flavour of the milk, resulting in variations in the degree of tanginess in the cheese.

In the European Union, feta cheese is legally required to be produced using only sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk, with a maximum of 30% goat milk. This restriction was established by the EU court in 2005, granting Greece exclusivity over the name "feta". As a result, cheeses produced in other countries that use similar percentages of sheep and goat milk cannot be labelled as "feta".

In the United States, most feta cheese is made from cow's milk. However, there are exceptions, such as Green Dirt Farm and Nordic Creamery, which offer sheep's milk feta cheese. Green Dirt Farm's sheep's milk feta is a classic cheese known for its rich, tangy flavour. They ship their cheese across the country, prioritising prompt delivery and proper packaging to ensure the cheese remains cool and fresh during transit. Nordic Creamery, an Amish establishment, also produces sheep's milk feta, showcasing their expertise in crafting cheese from diverse milk sources.

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