Feta Cheese

Feta cheese has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking for centuries, but has only become popular in the United States in the past thirty years or so. The reason for this may be attributed in part to the fact that it is not easy to find good feta cheese in this country. Due to its popularity in the Mediterranean region, very little of the product is actually exported to the rest of the world. When you do find good quality feta, it is often quite expensive, leaving many Americans to settle for the lesser quality but functional counterparts in many of our recipes.

How is this Cheese Manufactured?

Feta cheese is always made from sheep's milk, which is how it originated, or from goat's milk today. It is a rich, white soft cheese that is usually aged in brine for anywhere from four to six weeks to get the sharp and salty taste that many enjoy. It is a staple in almost all Mediterranean recipes, used in one form or another. It is best when it is fresh, so only buy it when you are going to use it quickly. If you must store your feta cheese for a period of time, storage in a milk bath will allow you to keep your cheese for up to three months in the refrigerator.

How is this Cheese Eaten?

Feta cheese is used in a variety of recipes, and can also be delicious sprinkled in salads or on pasta dishes. It pairs particularly well with other Mediterranean staples like anchovies, olives and tomatoes. It can be used interchangeably with goat's cheese, and can be substituted with Muenster cheese in a pinch. Feta cheese tastes best when it is left at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving, and melts easily when cooked, making it a great choice as a topper of filling for a variety of dishes. It can also be eaten as a snack on crackers or bread.

Feta cheese is a popular choice for many hot and cold pasta dishes and pairs well with many lamb recipes also. It can be baked, or simply tossed or mixed into a recipe in its original state. You can find feta cheese at many local grocers, but gourmet food shops may offer a higher quality of this cheese to bring out the best in your Mediterranean recipes.

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