What Does Feta Cheese Taste Like?

Looking for a guide on what feta cheese tastes like? You've come to the right place! The taste of feta cheese can vary! Feta cheese has a strong, salty, sharp, tangy flavor. It depends on what milk is used to make it--sheep’s milk or goat milk) and the length of time it is aged.

This beginner's guide will include what you need to know about feta cheese, from its history to its flavor. In addition, you can explore different recipes and find out which feta cheese is best for your taste. 

What makes feta cheese so special? Feta cheese has a distinctively tangy, salty flavor that is both sharp and creamy.  

There are many ways to enjoy feta cheese! Try it in salads, on pizzas or flatbreads, in omelets or quiches, mixed into pasta dishes, or simply as a snack with crackers or bread.

Jump to:

• What is feta cheese?
• What does feta cheese taste like?
• What are the different types of feta cheese?
• What are some dishes that include Feta?
• What foods complement feta?
• How do you store feta?
• What is the difference between cheese and feta cheese?
• How long does feta cheese last?
• How long does feta last once opened?
• How should feta cheese be stored?
• Feta cheese vs. goat cheese
• FAQs
• 💬 Comments

What is feta cheese?

Feta cheese has a crumbly texture that makes it easy to crumble into smaller pieces. The surface can also vary depending on the type of milk used to make the cheese and how long it is aged.

How it's made: Feta cheese is made by curdling fresh sheep's milk or goat's milk with rennet and draining it. The curds are then placed in brine (salt water) for several weeks, which gives feta its distinctive salty flavor. Afterward, the feta is placed in molds and allowed to age for at least two months.

Taste:

Feta cheese has a strong, salty, sharp, tangy flavor. The taste of feta cheese can vary! The taste can depend on what milk is used to make it--sheep’s milk or goat milk) and the length of time it is aged.

Texture:

Feta cheese has a crumbly texture with large, uneven pieces with a slightly grainy feel. Feta should be moist but not wet and slightly grainy.

How to eat it:

Feta cheese can be eaten fresh or cooked. It is often used in salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, and savory pies. It can also be crumbled over vegetables or baked into bread.

What does feta cheese taste like?

Feta cheese has a salty, tangy, sharp, and creamy taste. The flavor is similar to that of other sheep's milk cheeses but with a slightly more acidic bite.

Texture:

Feta cheese has a crumbly texture with small, uneven holes throughout. It is firm yet moist and melts in your mouth quickly.

What are the different types of feta cheese?

There are many different types of feta cheese, which can be classified based on their country of origin, ingredients, or aging process. Each variety has a distinct taste and texture. The most common types are:

• Greek feta: This is the traditional feta made from sheep's milk. Potent It has a strong, salty flavor and a crumbly texture.
• Bulgarian feta: This type of feta is made from cow's milk and has a milder flavor than Greek feta. It also has a creamier texture.
• French feta: This type is made from goat's milk and has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It has a smooth texture that is similar to cream cheese.

What are some dishes that include Feta?

Here are some dishes in Greek cuisine

1. Greek Salad - A classic Greek salad includes feta cheese, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The dressing is usually made with olive oil and vinegar.
2. Spanakopita - This dish is a savory pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. 
3. Moussaka - Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that consists of layered eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy bechamel sauce. It is typically topped with crumbled feta cheese before being baked.
4. Gyro - A gyro is a type of sandwich traditionally made with lamb or beef, onions, and tomatoes topped with tzatziki sauce tucked into some pita bread. However, many modern versions of the dish include feta cheese as well.
5. Pastitsio - Pastitsio is a Greek pasta dish that consists of macaroni noodles in a meat sauce topped with a delicious creamy bechamel-style sauce and crumbled feta cheese

What foods complement feta?

Bread

Feta cheese goes well with bread, especially crusty bread. Try dipping your bread in olive oil and then topping it with feta cheese for a delicious snack.

Fruit

Feta cheese also goes well with fruit, especially melon. Try pairing it with cantaloupe honeydew, or even watermelon for a refreshing treat.

Other cheeses

Feta cheese pairs well with other cheeses, especially goat cheese. Try pairing it with goat cheese and honey for a sweet and savory treat."

How do you store feta?

Store feta cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, in its original packaging, or in a covered container.

• How long it lasts: Properly stored, feta cheese will last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Consequences of not storing properly: If feta cheese is not stored correctly, it can develop mold or bacteria.

What is the difference between cheese and feta cheese?

There are many types of cheese, but they can broadly be classified into two categories: fresh cheese and aged cheese. 

Fresh cheese is made from fresh milk, while aged cheese is made from milk that has been allowed to sit for some time to develop its flavor.

Feta cheese falls into the category of fresh cheese. This means that it is made from milk that has been recently collected and has not been allowed to age for very long. As a result, feta cheese has a milder flavor than other cheese types.

How long does feta cheese last?

Feta cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to six weeks. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, keep it in a salty brine solution (water and salt) for up to two months.

To store feta cheese in a brine solution, simply place the cheese in a container and cover it with the answer. Ensure that the cheese is completely submerged and that there are no air bubbles. Then, place the container in the fridge.

When storing feta cheese, it's important to keep it away from other strong-smelling foods as it can absorb their flavors.

How long does feta last once opened?

Once opened, feta cheese will last for up to one week when stored in the fridge. How do you tell if feta has gone bad?: Feta cheese that has gone bad will have a sour smell and may also have mold growing on it. If you see mold on feta cheese, it's best to throw it away.

How should feta cheese be stored?

Feta cheese should be stored at a temperature of around 4°C. If the temperature is too high, the cheese will start to sweat, and the flavor will be affected. Conversely, the cheese will become hard and crumbly if the temperature is too low.

Humidity: Feta cheese should be stored in a humid environment. The cheese will become hard and crumbly if the air is too dry. The ideal humidity level for feta cheese is around 80%.

Light: Feta cheese should be stored in a dark place. If it is exposed to light, it will develop a yellowish color.

Container: Feta cheese can either be stored in its original packaging or in an airtight container.

Feta cheese vs. goat cheese

Feta cheese has a salty, tangy flavor that is often described as "goaty." It can range from mild to sharp, depending on its age.

Goat cheese, on the other hand, is generally milder and less tangy than feta. It also has a slightly sweet taste that some say is reminiscent of honey.

Texture: Feta cheese is crumbly and dry, while goat cheese is creamy and smooth.

Uses: Feta is great in salads or topping for pizzas and other dishes. Goat cheese can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is often spread on crackers, bread, salads, and pasta dishes.

I hope you enjoyed learning about feta cheese! If you're interested in trying it, let me know what you think. And for more information on other foods, check out the rest of the Taste Like series. Thanks for reading!

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