Patrick Oconnell
Feta and goat cheese are two of the world's most popular cheeses, often used in similar contexts, such as salads, dips, and cheese boards. While both are white, soft, and creamy, they have distinct differences in taste and texture. Feta is a Greek cheese that is traditionally made with sheep's milk, but can also be made with a combination of sheep, goat, or cow's milk. It has a salty and tangy taste, with a crumbly texture. Goat cheese, on the other hand, is made entirely with goat's milk, resulting in an earthy and gamy taste, with a creamy texture and a slightly sharp aftertaste. So, would these two cheeses taste bad together? The answer likely depends on personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Feta cheese tends to be chunkier and firmer, while goat cheese is usually more crumbly and creamy. |
| Taste | Feta cheese is salty, tangy, and sometimes bitter. Goat cheese is also salty, with an earthy and gamy taste, and a slightly sharp aftertaste. |
| Milk Type | Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk but can also be made with a combination of sheep, goat, and cow milk. Goat cheese is made with only goat milk. |
| Production | Feta cheese is aged in a brine solution, while goat cheese does not undergo an aging process. |
| Culinary Uses | Both cheeses are commonly used in dips, on meat and cheese boards, crostini, and salads. |
| Health Benefits | Feta cheese is rich in calcium and probiotics, aiding bone health and digestion. Goat cheese contains less lactose and is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta and goat cheese have different textures
Feta and goat cheese are both white cheeses that complement a wide array of foods. However, they have distinct textures, flavours, and production methods.
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese that is mainly made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. The proportion of goat's milk in Greek feta usually does not exceed thirty per cent. The cheese is dry and crumbly, with a firm texture when crumbled, and a salty, tangy, and sometimes spicy flavour. The ripening process in brine for a minimum of two months contributes to these characteristics. Feta is typically sold in block-like shapes.
Goat cheese, on the other hand, is made entirely from goat's milk. It has a creamy texture and a mildly earthy, gamy, and slightly sharp flavour. The most common variety is semisoft and somewhat spreadable but also crumbles. Harder goat cheeses can be grated or shaved. Goat cheese does not age, and its flavour depends on the diet of the goats supplying the milk.
While both cheeses are similar in texture, feta tends to be chunkier, while goat cheese is more crumbly. Feta's salty and tangy flavour comes from the brine in which it ages, while goat cheese does not undergo a similar ageing process.
Despite their different textures and flavours, feta and goat cheese are both soft enough to be whipped into dips. They are also popular additions to meat and cheese boards, crostini, and salads, showcasing their versatility and ability to complement various dishes.
Goat Cheese: Milk Protein Content and Nutritional Benefits
You may want to see also
Feta and goat cheese have different tastes
Feta and goat cheese are two of the world's most popular cheeses. Both are white, creamy, and complement a wide array of foods. However, they have distinct differences in taste.
Feta cheese, a traditional Greek cheese, is made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. The dominant flavour most people experience in feta cheese is a salty taste, with a tangy, sometimes bitter flavour profile. It is dry, crumbly, and difficult to spread. Feta is also aged in brine for a minimum of two months, contributing to its salty flavour and firm texture. The longer feta ages, the stronger its flavour becomes.
Goat cheese, on the other hand, is made entirely from goat's milk. It has a milder, earthy, and gamy taste, with a creamy texture and a slightly sharp aftertaste. The flavour of goat cheese depends on the diet of the goats supplying the milk. It can be fresh and soft or aged and hard, with the older varieties developing a deeper flavour. Unlike feta, goat cheese does not age in brine and is usually aged for a shorter period.
Both cheeses can be used in a variety of dishes, including dips, salads, crostini, and cheese boards. Feta is commonly used in Greek salads and French dishes, complementing dressings, sauces, and greens. Goat cheese is often used in heavier, savoury meals due to its likeness to cream cheese.
Herbs to Enhance Beets and Goat Cheese
You may want to see also
Feta and goat cheese have different health benefits
Feta and goat cheese are both white cheeses that contain goat's milk. However, feta is typically made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. Pure sheep milk feta has a milder taste than combination feta. On the other hand, goat cheese usually contains only goat milk.
Goat cheese is also rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It is a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body break down DNA-damaging peroxides, lowering the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease. Goat cheese is also a source of probiotics, which can improve immune system function and reduce vulnerability to illness. It is also high in calcium, which is essential for bone, teeth, and organ health. Additionally, goat cheese is easier to digest than cow's milk for those who are lactose intolerant, as it lacks the A1 form of B-casein proteins that typically cause symptoms in lactose-intolerant people. Goat cheese is also lower in fat and calories than cow cheese, with 6 grams of fat per ounce compared to 10 grams for cow cheese. However, it should still be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain.
Goat Cheese and Diabetes: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta and goat cheese are used differently in recipes
On the other hand, goat cheese, or chèvre, is made entirely from goat's milk. It ranges from soft and fresh to hard and aged varieties. The most common type is semi-soft and spreadable, similar to cream cheese, with a creamy texture and a slightly sharp, earthy, and gamy taste. Goat cheese is often mixed with herbs or spices and pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds in salads. It can also be used as a spread or dip, or served on crostini with jam.
The distinct textures and flavours of feta and goat cheese lend themselves to different culinary applications. Feta's crumbly texture and sharp, salty taste make it ideal for sprinkling over salads, stuffing into pastries, or adding flavour to dips. Meanwhile, goat cheese's softer, spreadable consistency and milder, earthy flavour make it a good choice for spreading on crackers or bread, using as a base for dips, or mixing with herbs and spices.
In terms of health benefits, feta is rich in calcium and probiotics, promoting bone health and aiding digestion. Goat cheese, on the other hand, contains less lactose, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance. It is also a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
When deciding between feta and goat cheese for a recipe, consider not only the desired taste but also the specific culinary application and any relevant health considerations. Both cheeses offer unique attributes that can enhance a variety of dishes.
Wensleydale Cheese: Goat or Not?
You may want to see also
Feta and goat cheese have different origins
Feta and goat cheese are similar in that they are both white, creamy cheeses that complement a wide range of foods. However, they have distinct origins and production methods.
Feta cheese, a Greek staple, has been a part of Greece for nearly as long as humanity itself. The first written mention of Feta appears in Homer's Odyssey, which dates from near the end of the 8th century BC. In the story, the protagonist Ulysses visits the cave of Polyphemus, also known as the Cyclops, and finds evidence of cheesemaking in action, including "crates full of cheese". Historians believe that feta cheese derives from the very first cheese made around 8,000 years ago, soon after people began domesticating animals. The word "feta" means "slice" or "slab" in Greek, referring to the tradition of slicing cheese and placing it in barrels for storage. Feta is typically made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, with the amount of goat's milk not exceeding 30%. It is aged in brine, giving it a salty and tangy flavour.
On the other hand, goat cheese, or chèvre, has a more diverse origin. Goat cheese has been produced in various regions, including the Middle East, France, Finland, and Portugal. In the Middle Ages, goat cheese became so popular that it was used as currency by pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. France, particularly the Loire Valley and Poitou, produces a significant number of goat milk cheeses. One specific type of goat cheese, known as Castelo Branco, originates from the city of the same name in Portugal. It is made from goat or sheep milk and has a soft texture. Another variety, known as Finnish squeaky cheese or leipäjuusto, is a fresh cheese traditionally made from cow's beestings or rich milk from a cow that has recently calved, but it can also be made with reindeer or goat milk.
While feta and goat cheese share some similarities, their distinct origins and production methods result in unique characteristics and flavours.
Goat Cheese: Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Superfood?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta and goat cheese are two of the world's most popular cheeses, and they are similar in texture and taste. They are both white, soft, creamy, and crumbly, and can complement a wide array of foods. They are also both used in similar dishes, such as dips, meat and cheese boards, crostini, and salads. Whether or not they taste bad together depends on personal preference.
Feta cheese is traditionally made using sheep's milk, but it can also be made using a combination of sheep, goat, or cow milk. It is salty and tangy due to the brine in which the cheese ages. Goat cheese, on the other hand, is made using only goat's milk. It has an earthy, gamy taste, and its texture can range from soft and fresh to hard and aged.
Feta cheese is rich in calcium and probiotics, which can be good for bone health and digestion. Goat cheese contains less lactose than other cheeses, so it may be a better option for people with lactose intolerance. It is also rich in protein and essential nutrients.
Both feta and goat cheese are commonly used in dips, meat and cheese boards, crostini, and salads. Goat cheese is often paired with dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and a light olive oil vinaigrette in salads, while feta cheese is typically crumbled or sliced and added to summery dishes or flatbreads.
Feta and goat cheese are both commonly available in grocery stores and specialty cheese shops. They can also be purchased online from retailers such as Henri Willig.
