It is, without a doubt, one of the most popular types of cheese among the masses today, and as a result, feta cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese around. When it comes to cheese enthusiasts, we are confident that most of them agree with our opinion.
If you have never tried feta cheese before, you may find it different from other cheeses. This article focuses on the taste and texture of the food, as well as many other aspects.
What is Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese is made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk with a Greek origin. There are many kinds of cheese in the world, but feta cheese is one of the oldest and most famous cheeses that has survived the test of time. As well as being certified as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin Product), this cheese has its trademark.
Feta cheese must be produced in Greece and the area of Lesbos to be considered authentic. Feta cheese cannot be considered feta if made in the United States or outside the European Union (EU). The cheese is also not authentic if it is made from cow milk, as cow milk does not make feta cheese authentic.
Feta Cheese Flavor
Depending on the ingredients used to make feta cheese, the taste of the cheese may differ. Some have a rich flavor, while some have a salty or creamy taste. It is pretty challenging to describe the exact taste of feta cheese because it comes in different varieties.
Here are some of the variations of Feta Cheese:
- Greek Feta: There are different varieties of feta cheese, each with its characteristics, but the Greek feta cheese is probably the most authentic. It is briny, tangy, and salty, with a lemony aftertaste that lingers in the mouth for a while afterward.
- French Feta: French Feta is less salty, and Greek Feta is milder. Having a soft, creamy texture and made only with sheep’s milk, it is made from sheep’s milk only.
- Israeli Feta: As compared to other types of Feta, Israeli feta is less tangy and has a pungent taste. It is mild, not too salty, and typically made from sheep’s milk.
When aged, feta cheese becomes more challenging, and the taste of the cheese becomes more peppery and complex.
Is Feta Goat Cheese?
Traditional feta cheese is made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, a mixture of the two types of milk. Lactic acid bacteria are added to milk to create a sour taste and initiate fermentation in the milk. The rennet enzyme is added to the milk during the cheese-making process to separate the solid milk curds from the whey, a liquid protein that is a byproduct of the cheese-making process.
Depending on how well the curds have separated from the whey, they may be cut into small blocks and placed in similarly designed molds. Afterward, all the feta blocks are removed from the mold, salted, and stored in either wooden or metal containers for 24 hours to mature.
Feta Cheese Recipes
Several recipes can be found, which include delicious feta cheese, and feta is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to baking it with tomatoes and Kalamata olives as a starter, you can whip it into a smooth puree and use it as a dipping sauce or sprinkle it on salads and roasted vegetables as a topping.
Nothing can be more delicious than a bit of feta on hand whenever you need a little flavor.
In light of that, here are some heavenly recipes that use feta cheese as an ingredient:
- Whipped Feta Dip: Whipped feta cheese creates a creamy dip that would be an excellent addition to any gathering, as this dip would taste delicious with just about any dish you serve.
- Lentil Salad with Feta: This lentil salad is punctuated with fresh mint and crunchy bell peppers that are brightened with a lemon dressing that adds brightness to the dish.
- Shakshuka with Feta: Many countries eat shakshuka, from Tunisia to Israel to Morocco. It has also become prevalent in restaurants here in the United States.
Almost all of our main meals and entrees come with feta cheese as an accompaniment at Nish Nush.
It is also worth noting that Nish Nush, amongst other options, also offers special shawarma as part of its extensive vegan menu and tasty falafel sandwiches.
