Feta cheese is a type of soft, light and salty cheese. In addition to being an excellent source of calcium, it is extremely nutritious. This cheese is very famous in Greece, for being part of the Mediterranean cuisine, and is beginning to gain fame in other countries, such as Brazil. It is quite versatile and can be used as snacks or in dishes. His production takes place in some areas of Greece, guaranteeing him the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) seal. That is why its quality standard is very strict.
- Because it is made with milk from sheep and goats raised in a unique way, this gives it characteristics that are also unique.
- Its flavor is characteristic and slightly spicy, when produced with goat milk. It is usually stronger when made with sheep’s milk. Its touch is soft and, in the mouth, it becomes creamy.
Learn all about feta cheese, one of the most nutritious in the world
Feta cheese can be made with sheep’s milk, goat’s milk or a mixture of the two. However, when mixed, there can only be 30% goat’s milk in the mixture.
- Both raw and pasteurized milk are good for producing feta. If the pasteurized option is chosen, lactic acid indicator cultures are added. These are able to assist in the separation of whey from casein.
- After this process, the whey is drained from the curd for 24 hours, molding it. When it becomes firm, it is diced, salted and stored for up to 3 days. After that, the blocks are refrigerated for up to two months after being dipped in salt.
- When marketed, Sheep milk feta cheese is taken out of storage for pickles contained in packaging. This is what keeps it fresh until it is consumed.
The Perfect Cheese
This cheese is healthy and packed with nutrients. Consumption of 28 g provides 74 calories. In that amount, 6 g is fat, 4 g is protein and 1.1 g is carbohydrate. It supplies 14% of the recommended daily index of calcium, 9% of phosphorus, 13% of sodium, 8% of vitamin B12 and 6% of vitamin B6, in addition to zinc and selenium.
In its composition it is possible to find good rates of vitamin K and A, in addition to folate acid, pantothenic acid, iron and magnesium. Feta is low-fat and caloric, being healthier than other cheeses, such as parmesan and cheddar. It also has more vitamins and calcium than mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese and goat cheese.
Feta cheese is excellent for bone health
Due to its high calcium content, the Western diet has considered feta to be an excellent option for bone health. In addition, it is rich in phosphorus and protein.
These compounds help with good bone density. That is why they are able to prevent diseases of the elderly, such as osteoporosis.
A portion of feta cheese is ideal for bones and provides twice as much calcium as phosphorus. That is why it is considered balanced and healthy. The milks used in the production of feta are naturally richer in calcium and phosphorus than the others. And this is another reason why it is essential to supply the daily needs of these substances.
