Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a Greek staple and an important part of the country's economy. While other countries such as Germany, France, and Denmark also produce feta, the true feta is made from sheep's milk, sometimes blended with goat's milk, and produced in Greece. In 2002, Greece won PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, which means that only cheese made in Greece with sheep's milk (and up to 30% goat's milk) can be labelled as Greek feta. When shopping for authentic Greek feta cheese, look for brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus, and check the packaging for the PDO label and brine, which helps maintain the cheese's texture and flavour. You can find Greek feta cheese at specialty Greek or Mediterranean food stores, or online at websites like Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, or Amazon's gourmet section.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of milk | Sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk |
| Type of milk to avoid | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Creamy yet crumbly |
| Taste | Salty and tangy |
| Packaging | Sold in brine |
| PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) | Yes |
| Brands | Dodoni, Kolios, Olympus, Murray's, Valbreso, Trader Joe's, Costco, Greek Flavours |
| Where to buy | Greek speciality food stores, Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, Amazon's gourmet section, Whole Foods, Lidl, Nick's International Foods, Kroger, Food Lion, Wegman's |
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What You'll Learn
What makes Greek feta authentic?
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It is soft, crumbly, and slightly grainy, with a tangy and salty flavour. Feta is a staple of Greek food culture and an important part of the Greek economy. In 2002, Greece won PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, protecting the tradition of Greek feta which other countries had been mimicking.
When shopping for authentic feta cheese, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, check the label for "PDO", which guarantees the cheese was made in specific regions of Greece according to traditional methods. Authentic feta should be made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep's and goat's milk—never cow's milk. Well-known brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus are known for their quality and adherence to traditional production methods. In terms of packaging, look for feta sold in brine, which helps maintain its texture and flavour.
Feta is typically barrel-aged, developing a creamy texture and balanced tang. It is formed into large blocks and aged in brine, which gives it its salty and tangy flavour. The process of ageing the cheese in brine is what makes real Greek feta stand out from the rest. It is made with patience, tradition, and respect for nature.
Greek feta cheese is traditionally made with unpasteurized milk. However, due to the complicated process of distributing and exporting unpasteurized milk products, many producers are moving on to pasteurized milk. To compensate for the loss of the signature acidity that comes from using unpasteurized milk, a starter culture must be added to the milk before cheesemakers can proceed.
In terms of taste, Greek feta is on the saltier and tangier side of the spectrum, with undertones slightly reminiscent of lemon. It is a complex cheese, with a creamy mouthfeel and distinct acidic notes. The salty flavour comes from the brine, a combination of salt and water, which keeps the cheese from being exposed to air and drying out.
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Where to buy Greek feta
Feta cheese is a Greek staple and an important part of the country's economy. The best feta cheese comes from Greece, but you can buy it in your grocery store. When shopping for authentic feta cheese, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, check the label for "PDO" (Protected Designation of Origin), which guarantees the cheese was made in specific regions of Greece according to traditional methods. Authentic feta should be made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk—never cow's milk.
Brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus are well-known for their quality and adherence to traditional production. In terms of packaging, look for feta sold in brine, which helps maintain its texture and flavour. You can find authentic feta online at Greek specialty food stores or websites like Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, Amazon’s gourmet section, or Greek Flavours. You can also try specialty stores with a strong focus on Mediterranean or Greek products, such as Murray's Cheese.
If you live in the US, you can also try shopping at an international grocery store like Lidl or a world market store like Costco. In Ohio, specialty stores are easier to find, and there are some online purveyors that will ship feta, such as Dodoni. You can also try searching for a dairy near you, as one person found a goat farm less than 25 miles from them that sold goat's milk cheese and yoghurt.
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How to store Greek feta
Greek feta is a soft, brined, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk, but it can also be made from a mixture of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. It is known for its salty and tangy flavour, which comes from the traditional brining method.
If you want to store Greek feta cheese for longer than a week, it's best to keep it in brine (a solution of water and salt) or salted milk. This will prevent the cheese from drying out and stop it from becoming too salty. To make brine, mix one quart of water with three tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt. Place the feta into an airtight container and cover it with the brine or salted milk. Cover the container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Feta cheese is not suitable for freezing. If you have already crumbled the feta, it will have a limited life and will dry out quickly.
If you have purchased feta in bulk, you can extend its life by repacking it in milk. This will make the cheese creamier and less salty, and it will preserve it for longer. However, it will not last for three months, and you will be lucky to get two weeks maximum from this method.
Another option is to marinate the feta in oil, black peppercorns, and thyme, which will also extend its life.
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Greek feta taste and texture
Greek feta is a white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It is soft, crumbly, and creamy, with small or no holes and no skin. Its flavour is salty and tangy, ranging from mild to sharp.
Feta is traditionally made from sheep's milk, with up to 30% goat's milk sometimes blended in. In the US, however, feta is usually made from cow's milk, which affects the taste and texture. Goat's milk produces a whiter cheese with more acidity and a greater tendency towards dryness and crumbliness. Sheep's milk, on the other hand, results in a yellower cheese with less acidity, a fattier and richer texture, and a deeper "barnyardy" flavour.
The process of brining feta—aging it in a solution of salt dissolved in water—gives Greek feta its signature salty and tangy flavour. It is this traditional method of brining that sets Greek feta apart from other types of feta and other cheeses. Feta is typically aged in brine for at least two months, intensifying its salty and sharp flavour.
Feta is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It is often crumbled on salads or baked into warm dishes. It can also be paired with honey, nuts, and fruit for a sweet-salty contrast, or stuffed into peppers or tomatoes with herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
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Greek feta recipes
When it comes to Greek feta cheese, authenticity and quality are key. This delicious, versatile cheese can elevate any dish, and knowing where to source the real deal is essential for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Once you've purchased your authentic Greek feta, the culinary possibilities are endless. Here are some mouth-watering Greek feta recipes to try:
Start with a classic Greek salad, or "Horiatiki." This simple yet flavorful dish combines ripe tomatoes, cool cucumber, red onion, olives, and of course, crumbly feta. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar, and season with dried oregano. The saltiness of the feta perfectly complements the fresh vegetables. Serve it as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal on a hot summer day.
For a heartier option, try Spanakopita, a traditional Greek spinach pie. Sauté onions and spinach, and mix them with eggs, herbs, and crumbled feta. This savory filling is then layered between buttery phyllo pastry sheets and baked until golden brown. Spanakopita can be served as a main course or cut into smaller triangles as an appetizer. It's a crowd-pleaser and a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
If you're looking for a comfort food option, Tiropita, or Greek cheese pie, is a must-try. Similar to Spanakopita, Tiropita features a creamy filling of feta cheese blended with eggs and sometimes ricotta or cottage cheese, encased in crispy phyllo layers. It's a simple yet indulgent dish that can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Feta also shines in pasta dishes, adding a tangy twist to your typical pasta recipes. Try making a creamy feta pasta sauce by blending feta with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of milk or cream. Toss it with your favorite pasta shape, and top with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Lastly, for a fun and unique appetizer, make your own feta cheese balls. Roll cubes of feta in various coatings, such as chopped nuts, herbs, or spices, and secure them with toothpicks. Drizzle with a bit of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory contrast. These feta cheese balls can be served as an elegant appetizer or as a tasty addition to a charcuterie board.
Remember, when using Greek feta in your recipes, always taste and adjust seasoning, as feta adds a salty flavor to your dishes. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and don't be afraid to add your own creative twists!
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Frequently asked questions
Real Greek feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, sometimes blended with a little goat's milk. It is aged in brine, which gives it a salty and tangy flavour. It is creamy yet crumbly, making it perfect for topping, baking, or eating on its own.
Check the label for "PDO" (Protected Designation of Origin), which guarantees that the cheese was made in specific regions of Greece according to traditional methods. Look for feta sold in brine, which helps maintain its texture and flavour. You can also look for brands like Dodoni, Kolios, and Olympus, which are well-known for their quality and adherence to traditional production methods.
You can buy real Greek feta cheese at specialty Greek grocery stores or online at websites like Greek Grocery Store, Titan Foods, or Amazon's gourmet section. You can also try specialty stores with a strong focus on Mediterranean or Greek products. Some specific stores that sell real Greek feta cheese include Nick's International Foods, Costco, and Murray's Cheese.
Real Greek feta cheese can be used in a variety of recipes such as baked feta pasta, spanakopita (spinach pie), appetizer platters with honey, nuts, and fruit, or stuffed peppers or tomatoes with herbs. It can also be crumbled on a salad or baked into a warm dish.
