Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a popular Greek-style cheese with a distinct taste and texture. It is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, with a salty, tangy, sharp and creamy flavour. The taste of feta cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used, the region it is produced in and the length of time it is aged. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, cooked meals and as a snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Salty, tangy, sharp, sour, creamy, pungent |
| Texture | Crumbly, slightly grainy, moist, dense |
| Colour | White |
| Smell | Sour milk or yoghurt |
| Milk source | Sheep, goat, or a combination of the two; sometimes cow |
| Country of origin | Greece, France, Israel, Macedonia |
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What You'll Learn
Feta is a Greek-style cheese
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes. It is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and is often used in recipes like baked feta pasta, shakshuka with feta, and lentil salad with feta. The cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six weeks and can be submerged in a brine solution to extend its shelf life for up to two months.
The process of making feta involves curdling milk with rennet enzymes and separating the solid milk curds from the whey, a liquid protein. The curds are then salted and stored in containers to mature, giving feta its distinctive flavour and texture. In Greece, feta is produced according to a traditional recipe, with variations in saltiness, milk flavour, and consistency depending on the region. For example, feta from the island of Lesvos tends to be strong and salty, while feta from Thessaloniki is known for its earthy and sharp taste.
The authenticity of feta is important, and according to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regulations, authentic feta must be produced in Greece and the area of Lesbos. Feta made in the United States or outside the European Union is not considered authentic, and the use of cow's milk is also not traditional. When shopping for feta, it is recommended to look for Greek-made brands, such as Aphrodite or Mt Vikos, and to check the ingredient list to ensure the presence of goat's or sheep's milk.
Feta is a popular and versatile cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its unique flavour and texture make it a favourite ingredient in many dishes, adding a burst of salty, tangy goodness to any meal.
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It's made from sheep, goat or cow's milk
Feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of the two. In the United States, feta is often made with cow's milk, but this is not considered authentic feta. The type of milk used to make feta affects its taste and texture.
Feta made with sheep's milk is known for its rich and creamy texture, adding a luxurious mouthfeel to the cheese. It tends to be more expensive but is considered worth it for the superior taste and quality. Sheep's milk feta has a distinctive tangy and salty flavour with a slightly more acidic bite. The higher fat content of sheep's milk can also result in a denser, crumbly, or spreadable texture.
Goat's milk feta has a unique blend of tangy and slightly sweet flavours, with a crumbly yet creamy consistency. The combination of sheep and goat's milk creates a traditional feta flavour.
Cow's milk feta, though not authentic, is widely produced and consumed, especially in the United States. This variation tends to have a milder and less tangy taste compared to the traditional sheep and goat milk blends.
The taste of feta cheese can also vary depending on the region where it is produced, as the animals' diet and grazing conditions influence the milk's flavour. For example, feta from the island of Lesvos tends to be strong and salty, while feta from Thessaloniki is earthy and sharp.
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It has a strong, salty, tangy flavour
Feta cheese is a Greek-style cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. It is known for its strong, salty, tangy flavour, although the intensity of these characteristics can vary depending on the brand, type, and milk used. For example, Macedonian feta is known to be milder, while French feta is less salty than Greek feta. The latter tends to be stronger and saltier, especially if it comes from the island of Lesvos, where the animals graze in pastures sprayed with seawater.
Feta is also characterised by its crumbly texture, with small, uneven holes throughout. It is firm yet moist and melts quickly in the mouth. The cheese is typically white in colour, and it is best to avoid feta that is too soft or off-white, as this may indicate that it is not fresh.
The unique flavour of feta comes from the process of curdling milk with rennet enzymes and draining the whey. The curds are then placed in a brine solution (usually water, salt, and vinegar) for several weeks, which gives feta its distinctive flavour and texture. This process also contributes to the high sodium content of feta cheese, so it is important to consume it in moderation.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly added to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes. It can also be crumbled over vegetables or baked into bread. When paired with fresh fruits, vegetables, and cured meats such as ham and salami, feta cheese adds a unique dimension to these dishes with its bold, tangy, and salty flavour.
In terms of wine pairings, feta cheese goes well with lighter-bodied white wines. It can also be enjoyed as a snack on its own or with crackers or bread. However, some people find the strong flavour of feta cheese too sharp or salty, and it may not be to everyone's taste.
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It's versatile and can be used in many dishes
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its strong, salty, tangy, and sharp flavour can add a unique dimension to many recipes. Here are some ways in which feta cheese can be incorporated into meals:
Salads
Feta is a popular addition to salads, providing a salty, tangy contrast to fresh vegetables and fruits. It can be crumbled over a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or paired with watermelon, fresh mint, and a balsamic glaze for a refreshing option. Feta also goes well with lentils, crunchy bell peppers, and a lemon dressing.
Pasta
Feta cheese can be used in pasta dishes, such as the viral sensation of Baked Feta Pasta. It adds a salty, creamy element to the dish and can be baked or mixed into the pasta.
Pizza
Feta's tangy flavour makes it a great topping for pizzas, adding a salty, creamy contrast to the other ingredients.
Sandwiches
Feta can be used to elevate a simple sandwich. It pairs well with ingredients like spinach, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful and healthy option.
Dips and Spreads
Feta cheese can be whipped into a creamy dip or spread, making it a versatile addition to any gathering. It can also be baked with tomatoes and Kalamata olives and pureed into a smooth dipping sauce.
Cooked Dishes
Feta is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and can be used in various cooked dishes. It can be baked into bread, added to quiches or omelets, or used as a filling for stuffed chicken.
The versatility of feta cheese extends beyond these suggestions, as it can also be used in savory pies, flatbreads, or paired with cured meats and fresh fruits. Its unique flavour and texture make it a valuable ingredient in enhancing the taste of many dishes.
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Its texture is crumbly and slightly grainy
Feta cheese is a Greek-style cheese with a strong, salty, sharp, and tangy flavour. It is made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of the two. The flavour of feta cheese can vary depending on the type of milk used and the length of time it is aged.
The texture of feta cheese is distinct, with a crumbly and slightly grainy consistency. It is firm yet moist and melts in your mouth quickly. Feta cheese can be dense and crumbly or spreadable, almost like cream cheese, depending on the milk used and the production method. For example, sheep's milk has a higher fat content, which can result in a softer, spreadable texture.
The crumbly texture of feta cheese makes it easy to crumble into smaller pieces, which is why it is often crumbled over salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, and savoury pies. It can also be baked into bread or used as a topping for roasted vegetables.
The unique texture of feta cheese adds to its versatility as an ingredient. It can be used in a variety of dishes, either fresh or cooked, and pairs well with many other foods. Feta cheese is a popular and versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste of culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese has a strong, salty, tangy, and sharp flavour. The taste can vary depending on the type of milk used to make it and the length of time it is aged.
Traditional feta cheese is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. However, some manufacturers produce feta cheese using cow's milk or a combination of cow's milk and goat's milk.
Feta cheese made from cow's milk tends to have a milder and less tangy taste compared to feta cheese made from traditional sheep and goat milk blends.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes. It can also be crumbled over vegetables or baked into bread. Feta cheese pairs well with fresh fruits, vegetables, and cured meats such as ham and salami.
