Taste: A bit on the salty side and sometimes a bit piquant.
Nutritional value: Great source of calcium, protein and … sodium amongst others.
Feta can be eaten as is, or used in salads and pies.
Feta differs in taste, depending on the place it is produced the type of milk it is made of and so on.
It is made and allowed to mature in wooden barrels.
You do get the type which is in plastic containers but that is rightfully called – white cheese and NOT feta.
There is a hard, medium and a soft version; the harder it is the spicier.
Not any white cheese can be called feta. Feta is made with cow’s and goat’s milk.
It can be crumbed using the fingers and served with oregano and olive oil.
A great sandwich idea is to sprinkle some olive oil on toasted bread and spread some mashed up feta with olive oil and oregano.
A pinch of chili powder gives it a spicier touch if you like spicy foods.
The medium soft feta is also great in salads and in pies.
The soft feta cheese is ideal for children; it spreads nicely on bread and the taste is more subtle and milkier – kids usually prefer that.
Women who are pregnant should avoid eating a lot of feta cheese.
Despite it being rich in calcium, something which you need for the baby’s bones, it is too salty and causes bloating and swelling.
Rather choose the unsalted, soft white cheese – anthotyro. This is a lovely, milder and milkier cheese.
If you are watching your diet and restricting your calorie intake, anthotyro is what you’d choose to eat; that and katiki which is the Greek alternative to Cottage cheese.
An idea for something on the sweet side, would be a slice of anthotyro sprinkled with cinnamon and drizzled with honey.
This is absolutely delicious eaten for breakfast on toasted bread, or even as a ‘dessert’ after lunch.
Greece has its own wide variety of cheese.
A visit to one of the dairy stores or major supermarkets will provide a feast for your eyes.
The salesperson behind the cheese counter will be happy to offer you a tiny taste of different types of cheese until you decide on the one(s) you want to buy.