Exploring the World of Feta Cheese - An Integral Part of Greek Cuisine.
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pastries. Feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, and has a tangy, salty flavour that is unique to this cheese. In this blog post, we will explore the world of feta cheese, its history, how it is made, and some delicious recipes that you can try at home.
History of Feta Cheese
Feta cheese has been a part of Greek cuisine for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in Greece during the Byzantine Empire. The word “feta” comes from the Greek word “fetta,” which means slice. Feta cheese was traditionally made from sheep’s milk, but today it is also made from a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk.
How Feta Cheese is Made
Feta cheese is made by curdling milk with rennet, a natural enzyme that causes the milk to thicken. The curd is then cut into small pieces and placed in a mold to drain. After a few days, the cheese is removed from the mold and placed in a brine solution made of salt and water. The brine solution helps to preserve the cheese and gives it its characteristic salty flavour.
Types of Feta Cheese
There are two main types of feta cheese: Greek feta and Bulgarian feta. Greek feta is made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, while Bulgarian feta is made from cow’s milk. Greek feta is considered to be the more authentic and traditional type of feta cheese.
Recipes with Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious recipes that you can try at home:
Greek Salad – Combine chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
Spanakopita – This is a traditional Greek pastry made with spinach and feta cheese. The filling is wrapped in phyllo dough and baked until golden brown.
Feta Stuffed Chicken – Cut a pocket in a chicken breast and stuff it with crumbled feta cheese. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through.
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile cheese that is an integral part of Greek cuisine. It has a tangy, salty flavour that is unique to this cheese. Whether you use it in salads, pastries, or as a stuffing for chicken, feta cheese is sure to add a delicious flavour to any dish.
