In Greece, small native breeds of sheep and goats, which have become extremely tough and resistant , in order to survive in the particular environment with diversified flora, give feta its unique flavor, but also a different nutritional profile.
What does feta mean in Greek?
The Greek word feta ( φέτα ) comes from the Italian fetta ‘slice’, which in turn is derived from the Latin offa ‘morsel, piece’. The word feta became widespread as a name for the cheese only in the 19th century, probably referring to the cheese being cut to pack it in barrels.
What is the significance of feta in Greece?
To the modern consumer, the word Feta means brine cheese , produced in Greece, using specific technology from sheep and goat milk. According to Greek mythology, the gods sent Aristaios, son of Apollo, to teach Greeks the art of cheese making.
Is feta cheese popular in Greece?
Feta is the most famous Greek cheese , affectionately called ‘the princess of cheeses’. The cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk (the latter should not exceed 30%). It is produced in the regions of Macedonia, Thessaly, Thrace, Epirus, the Peloponnese, and Central Greece.
Does feta have to be made in Greece?
Homer described how to make feta in the Odyssey. Aristotle delighted in its briny, crumbly texture. ... Greece has long proclaimed that to merit the exclusive name “feta”, the cheese must be made in the country from unpasteurised sheep’s milk , or a mixture of sheep’s milk with goat’s milk, and then curdled with rennet.
Is Greek feta healthy?
Feta is a good source of calcium and phosphorus , both of which are needed for strong bones and teeth. Feta is also a good source of niacin and B12 which helps the body to get energy from the food we eat.
Why is feta good for you?
Feta contains more calcium than many other cheeses. Calcium helps you maintain healthy teeth and bones. Feta cheese also has high levels of phosphorus. Consuming these phosphorus and calcium together has been linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention.
What is Greek feta made from?
What is Feta? Synonymous with Greece, Feta has become a staple in culinary cultures across the globe – both cooked and fresh. Often made using a blend of milk from goats and sheep , the flavors are imbued largely from their forage, resulting in a texture and taste that varies among regions.
Why is feta in water?
The brine is also the flavoring agent that gives feta its salty punch , so if the feta you’ve picked up is already super salty, simply storing it in plain water will help keep its crumbly texture without adding any unnecessary flavor.
What is Macedonian feta?
Popular in northern Greece and other Balkan countries, Macedonian style feta, also known as Doric Feta, exhibits the unique characteristics of a “double-cream” cheese , containing a low milk-fat content of 22%.
Is Greek cheese the same as feta cheese?
Traditionally Feta is a mixture of goat and sheep’s milk with a soft, creamy and salty flavour. ... Feta became a Protected Denomination of Origin food a few years ago, that is why you can find ‘Greek Style Cheese’ for sale. It is not Greek, but similar .
Is feta cheese aged?
Feta is a brined cheese (it is placed in a brine solution) that is made either only from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk. It is aged in the brine minimally 2 months , but the good feta will be aged 12 months. Feta is a cheese that is a Protected Designation of Origin product (P.D.O.)
Is feta cheese ripened or unripened?
Fresh cheese.
Such unripened cheeses include goat cheese, feta, ricotta and cottage cheese.
Is Greek feta made from cow’s milk?
The name “feta” comes from the Greek word for “slice.” ... Traditionally feta is made using sheep milk, but commonly, it can be made using sheep, goat or cow milk , or any combination of the three. Feta has a salty and pleasantly tangy taste.
What is feta and how is it commonly used in Greek cuisine?
Feta is one of the most used ingredients in many Greek meals. This crumbly cheese has a salty and delicious taste that makes it great in salads, pastry and as a table cheese.
