Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as salads, pastas, and breads. It is a salty, brined cheese made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk and is often dry and crumbly but can also be creamy. While the best feta cheese comes from Greece, you can buy it at your local grocery store, including Walmart, Target, and Safeway. Some popular brands include DeLallo, Dodoni, and Athenos. For those looking for vegan options, there are also impressive plant-based feta cheeses available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta Cheese Brands | DeLallo Greek Feta Salad, Kalamata Olives & Cheese in Marinade, Athenos Feta Crumbles, Emporium Selection Feta Chunk in Brine, Murray's Feta Cup |
| Feta Cheese Retailers | Walmart, Target, Costco, Safeway, Amazon |
| Feta Cheese Type | Cow Milk Feta, Goat Milk Feta, Sheep Milk Feta, Vegan Feta |
| Feta Cheese Origin | Greek Feta, Israeli Feta, Italian Feta, Bulgarian Feta, Turkish Feta |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese from Greece
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is soft, crumbly, and slightly grainy, with a tangy and salty flavour that ranges from mild to sharp. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pastries, sandwiches, and omelettes. It is also often grilled or served with olive oil or olives and sprinkled with herbs such as oregano.
Feta cheese has a long history in Greece, dating back to ancient times. In Homer's "The Odyssey", Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon, is described as making cheese from sheep's and goat's milk in his cave. The production of feta cheese in Greece is also associated with rich vegetation and lush pastures, which provide ideal conditions for the production of sheep and goat milk.
When it comes to purchasing feta cheese from Greece, it may be available at specialty cheese shops or gourmet food stores. However, it is also possible to find Greek feta cheese at regular grocery stores. Some sources suggest that the best feta cheese can only be found on some island in Greece, but grocery stores may still offer good alternatives.
In summary, feta cheese from Greece is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its production methods and flavour profiles have been influenced by Greece's rich cultural and agricultural history. While the best feta cheese may be sourced directly from Greek producers or specialty shops, it is also possible to find satisfactory alternatives at local grocery stores.
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Feta cheese from Bulgaria and Turkey
Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk, though it can also be made with a mix of sheep and goat's milk. In North America, it is commonly made with cow's milk. Feta cheese is typically associated with Greece, and in 2002, the EU courts ruled in favour of Greece, granting the country "Protected Status" for the product. This ruling excluded other producers in the European Union from using the name 'Feta'.
However, variations of this style of cheese have been made for thousands of years in other regions, including Bulgaria and Turkey. In Bulgaria, this cheese is called 'Sirene', which simply means 'a cheese'. It is also sometimes referred to as 'Bulgarian White Cheese'. The process of making Sirene has not changed much over the years. It is typically made from sheep's milk, with cow's milk or a mix of the two, and stored in a light brine for maturation. The cheese tends to be smoother and creamier than Greek feta, with a more elastic texture. It is also less crumbly and needs to be cut into cubes or slices.
In Turkey, white cheese is considered a base, with countless varieties and ways to make it. In English, these cheeses are often referred to as feta cheeses, but they come in a wide variety of flavours. They can be made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk and can be hard or soft. Turkish white cheese is a staple in traditional Turkish breakfasts and dinners and is often eaten as a meze or consumed in the summer months. Some popular Turkish white cheeses include Mihaliç cheese or Kelle cheese, which is typically made from unpasteurised sheep's milk and stored in brine, and Lor, a crumbly, relatively unsalted cheese often used in pastries.
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Feta cheese from the USA
Feta cheese is a salty and tasty fresh cheese that is often made from sheep or goat milk. While feta cheese is believed to have originated in Greece, it is now widely available in the USA.
Where to Buy Feta Cheese in the USA
You can find feta cheese in most grocery stores across the USA, including Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. These stores offer a variety of feta cheese options, including Greek, Israeli, and French feta. For example, Costco offers organic Greek feta and Israeli feta, both made with 100% sheep's milk. On the other hand, Trader Joe's offers block feta, with some customers expressing a preference for Israeli feta over Greek.
Online Options
If you prefer online shopping, Amazon offers a wide range of feta cheese options, including well-known brands such as Mt. Vikos. Additionally, some specialty cheese retailers may have websites where you can order feta cheese and have it delivered directly to your doorstep.
Feta Cheese Recommendations
When choosing feta cheese, it's worth noting that the type of milk used can significantly impact its taste and texture. While American-made feta cheese often uses cow's milk, traditional feta is made with sheep's or goat's milk, resulting in a tangier and creamier product. For example, Valbreso, a French sheep milk feta, has received positive reviews for its creamy texture and delicious flavour. Similarly, Bulgarian and Turkish fetas are considered superior to American-made cow milk feta.
Feta Cheese Uses
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It is commonly used in salads, adding a tangy and rich flavour. It also melts beautifully into pasta, creating a creamy and indulgent dish. For a unique twist, try baking feta or making feta skewers with fruits or vegetables.
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Vegan feta cheese
Feta cheese is a Greek delicacy, and the best feta cheese does, in fact, come from Greece. However, you can now find vegan feta cheese as a tasty alternative to the traditional dairy product.
There are several recipes available online for making your own vegan feta cheese at home. The basic process involves blending tofu or nuts with coconut oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and onion powder. Some recipes also include nutritional yeast, miso, and olive juice for extra flavour. You can adjust the ingredients to create a flavoured or herb cream cheese, such as adding thyme or oregano.
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Feta cheese from Israel
Feta cheese is a well-known cheese variety that originated in Greece. While Greece is widely regarded as the source of the best feta cheese, it is also produced in other places, including Israel.
Israeli feta cheese, also known as "Gvinat rosh hankara" in Hebrew, is a type of white cheese made from sheep's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both. It was introduced in the late 19th century when Jewish immigrants from Greece and the Balkans migrated to Israel and adapted their cheese-making traditions to suit local ingredients and tastes. As a result, Israeli feta cheese has a milder flavour and a creamier texture compared to its Greek counterpart.
Israeli feta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes. Within Israel, it is commonly crumbled over salads, mixed with vegetables, or used as a filling for pastries such as bourekas, ziva, or börek. It can also be melted or grilled and added to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. Additionally, Israeli feta is used in desserts, often paired with sweet ingredients like honey, fruit, or chocolate in cheesecakes, tarts, or ice cream.
Israeli feta cheese can be found in grocery stores and markets throughout Israel, and it has become a staple food within the country, embraced by both Jewish and Arab communities. While it may not be as widely available internationally as Greek feta, specialty cheese shops or markets with a diverse selection of cheeses may carry Israeli feta. Online retailers and grocery delivery services are also worth exploring to source Israeli feta cheese outside of Israel.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy feta cheese at your local grocery store or online. Some specific retailers that sell feta cheese include Target, Walmart, Costco, and Safeway.
Some popular feta cheese brands include Athenos, President, Whole Foods, Dodoni, Ipeiros, and Valbreso.
Traditional feta cheese is made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk. However, there are now vegan alternatives available that do not use animal milk.
The best feta cheese typically comes from Greece, but there are also good options from other countries like Israel and France. For vegan feta cheese, you can try brands like Athenos, which offers reduced-fat crumbles.
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It pairs well with pastas, salads, and breads, and can be sprinkled on pizzas or used in recipes like baked feta or feta skewers with fruits or vegetables.
