Feta

What Is Feta?

Feta is a white Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk, aged in brine, with a crumbly texture. It has protected geographical indication status in the European Union; only cheeses produced in certain regions of Greece may be called feta.

Because it is moister than other aged cheeses, it is relatively low in calories but noticeably salty.

Nutritional Values of Feta

Feta contains about 264 kcal of energy, 14 g of protein, and 21 g of fat per 100 g. It is rich in calcium and phosphorus, but because it is aged in brine, its sodium content is also high.

What Are the Benefits of Feta?

With its high protein and calcium content, feta can be included as part of a balanced diet; it also contributes nutrients such as vitamin B12.

This information is general; feta is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Because of its high salt content, people who need to limit salt are advised to pay attention to portion size.

How to Choose Feta

When buying feta, choose products sold in brine and labeled with the protected geographical indication; generic white cheese in vacuum-sealed packaging is usually not authentic feta.

• Products sold in brine, in their own liquid, retain freshness better.
• The label should state the proportion of sheep’s and goat’s milk.
• The texture should be crumbly but not excessively dry.

How to Store Feta

Feta stays fresh for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator in its own brine. If the brine level drops, add lightly salted water to keep the cheese from drying out.

Using Feta in the Kitchen

Feta is most often used in Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives; it is also baked with vegetables, used in savory pies, and melted over pasta.

How to Make Greek Salad

Serve tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives with one thick slice of feta on top, drizzled with olive oil and thyme; in the classic recipe, the cheese is placed on the plate without crumbling it.

How to Bake Feta

Place one whole block of feta in a baking dish with cherry tomatoes and olive oil, and bake until the edges are lightly browned; serve mixed with pasta or bread.

What Recipes Use Feta?

Greek salad, baked feta, watermelon and feta salad, and feta savory pies are among the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is feta the same as white cheese?

They are similar but different; authentic feta can only be produced in Greece with specific proportions of sheep’s and goat’s milk, while Turkish white cheese is usually made from cow’s milk and has a different protected geographical indication.

How should feta be stored?

It should be stored in its own brine in a covered container in the refrigerator; if left without brine, it quickly dries out and loses its flavor.

Is feta very salty?

Because it is a brined cheese, it contains a moderate to high amount of salt; rinsing it under water for a few minutes before eating can reduce the saltiness.

Can feta be eaten during pregnancy?

Feta made from pasteurized milk is generally considered safe; caution is advised with products made from unpasteurized milk, and consulting a doctor is recommended.

Can feta be frozen?

It can be frozen, but after thawing its texture may be more crumbly and it may lose some of its creaminess; eating it fresh is recommended for the best results.