Cheese is one of the most popular foods on the planet; it goes so well with a myriad of dishes and with so many varieties, you’ll never get bored.
So, what does feta cheese taste like I hear you ask? Feta cheese is a crumbly, salty greek cheese that is typically used in salads or as a condiment. It has a strong, pungent flavor that is often described as tangy or sour. Some people also say that it tastes a bit like goat cheese. Feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk, and it is usually aged for a few months before being sold.
Feta cheese hails from Greece but is now hugely popular around the world for its crumbly texture and unique flavour but if you’ve never tried it, it can be difficult to understand just what this cheese tastes like.
With feta being so popular, it is not surprising that it appears in a lot of dishes, especially those that come from its home nation of Greece. Let’s explore the delight that is feta cheese and discover everything it has to offer.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese is a white, crumbly cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. This is a curd cheese that is soaked in brine after it has been prepared. The cheese has no skin nor does it have any holes but instead is shaped into large blocks which are typically broken down into small bite size cubes for eating.
The word feta comes from the Greek word for slice, which is quite misleading when you consider how this food is served. When we consider how far back this cheese dates, as far as the 8th century BC, it isn’t difficult to see why it is a highly treasured Greek food.
In Europe, there are legal specifications on how the cheese should be made. For example, a ‘proper’ feta should contain only sheep’s milk, however, there are allowances to add up to 30% goat milk although many would consider this an abomination.
Feta Cheese Taste Description
If you’ve been thinking about trying feta cheese for the first time, let us warn you that this food has a very distinct and characterful bite. This is far from a mild cheddar and anyone who doesn’t like a strong-tasting food might be better avoiding feta.
That being said, feta is loved by many people, particularly those with a penchant for different cheeses. While feta has a reputation for being crumbly, this is a result of the addition of goat’s milk. If you have a 100% sheep’s milk feta, you will notice that the texture is much smoother and creamier.
In terms of taste, you can expect a range of flavours to hit the palette with this type of cheese having a salty hit as well as a tangy taste. This salty cheese has a very rich and tangy flavor.
Why does feta cheese taste like vomit?
There are a lot of people who would describe the taste of feta cheese as being very close to that of vomit. Of course, nobody wants that flavour hanging around their meal, so what causes this potency in feta cheese?
Feta cheese is often described as tasting like vomit because of its strong, pungent flavor. This unpleasant taste is caused by a compound called propionic acid, which is also found in Parmesan cheese and other strong-tasting cheeses. The high level of propionic acid in feta cheese is what gives it its distinctive flavor, which some people find unpleasant.
Depending on where the cheese was made, there may be a slightly different smell. This is because different bacteria are present in various locations and it is these bacteria that are responsible for the stinky smell and taste of some feta cheeses.
However, this will get stronger over time as the bacteria have a chance to multiply and release more gases so eating your feta cheese as soon as it is purchased is the best way to avoid a very strong odor or taste.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF FETA HAS GONE BAD?
The best way to determine if feta cheese has gone bad is to perform a taste test. If the cheese tastes sour or ammonia-like, it has likely spoiled and should not be consumed. Feta cheese can also spoil if it is left out at room temperature for an extended period of time. Signs that the cheese has gone bad include mold growth on the surface, a slimy texture, and a strong odor.
What does feta cheese smell like when it has gone bad?
It is entirely normal for feta cheese and many other fermented foods to have a strong aroma. However, there comes a point when the cheese’s smell goes too far and this could be a sign that it has gone past its best. At this point, the cheese will have a very sour and strong smell that is highly unpleasant.
Furthermore, there are visual signs that will let you know whether your feta cheese is good to eat. If it develops a slimy or gluey texture then it is time to throw it out.
What’s more, feta cheese that has gone bad will quickly develop mold and this is one of the foods that should be eaten sooner rather than later. Storing it in the fridge and consuming within five days is typically the best option.
Feta Cheese vs Goat’s Cheese
While some types of feta cheese will contain a small amount of goat’s milk, this is not the same as cheese that is made solely from goat’s milk.
In this case, the cheese is less nutty and takes on a more earthy quality. However, both types of cheese are white with a crumbly yet creamy texture.
The way in which each of these cheeses are presented is very different with feta being served in blocks. On the other hand, goat’s cheese will normally come served in a wheel or a log.
DOES GOAT’S CHEESE TASTE LIKE FETA?
Feta is a crumbly, salty cheese that is usually made from sheep’s milk, but can also be made from goat’s milk. Goat’s cheese is a similar cheese, but it is creamier and less salty than feta. Some people say that goat’s cheese tastes like feta, while others say that it has a more subtle flavor.
What’s Healthier, Feta Cheese Or Goat’s Cheese?
Many of us are focussed on having a healthy and balanced diet and some cheeses are incredibly high in fat and calories.
For the most part, both feta and goat’s cheeses are relatively healthy options especially when it comes to getting good amounts of calcium and protein.
Goats cheese has very slightly higher calories than feta but it makes up for this by being very low in carbs and higher in protein. Furthermore, feta has a much lower fat content than goats cheese but it also has comparatively lower salt content.
There are pros and cons to both cheeses and which will benefit your diet more will depend on what you are trying to accomplish and your individual health needs.
Conclusion
Feta is a crumbly, white, fermented cheese that originates from Greece. Today, this type of cheese has found its way into almost every country in the world and is eaten in salads, pastas, soups and even on pizzas.
It has a very distinct taste that is somewhere between tangy and salty. However, the taste and smell will be affected by the age of the cheese and where it was produced.
