Feta cheese has become a firm favorite throughout the world. This velvety and rich, soft cheese is usually associated with Greece. It is made there with sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk.

This cheese is a popular preference when ordering gourmet hampers. It has been existence for several hundred years. Greece, being the home of feta cheese, is consumed in almost every home. In fact, large quantities of feta now come from Italy, because Greece doesn’t export much of its beloved cheese anymore. Other European countries, as well as Australia, make various types of feta cheese that is manufactured not only from whole cream cow’s milk but also low-fat and skimmed milk. This fact is good news for weight conscious fans. A 38 gram wedge is less than 100 calories/426 kilojoules/

What does feta cheese look like? It is a very white cheese that easily crumbles. Feta can have a variety of tangs and tastes. Some is also saltier than others. The variation in this soft cheese depends on its aging process. It is aged for a minimum of three months, but the longer it is aged, the more salty it becomes.

Many savory recipes can include feta cheese. It combines well with most vegetables, pastries meat, fish and eggs. It also makes an excellent salad when prepared with sundried tomatoes, artichokes and mayonnaise. However, most salads can receive an extra ‘zing’ by just sprinkling a handful of crumbled feta over a bowl of prepared salad. This looks especially attractive when black olives are added. There are various feta cheese dips, but the recipe that follows is appetizing and easy to prepare.

Combine 120 grams of feta cheese and 120 grams of cream cheese with 1/3 cup of mayonnaise and a clove of minced garlic. Add herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme to suit your taste buds. Mix and blend well with a food mixer, if possible. Keep covered and chill for a short while. Serve with chips, savory biscuits or raw vegetables. Delicious!

Feta cheese that is found in gourmet cheese hampers also goes well with soups and it is a firm favorite as a garnish for pizzas. Think about Greek pita recipes—feta cheese and spinach are a perfect choice.

If feta cheese hasn’t previously been a part of your food plan, try it out and you will be pleasantly surprised. A gourmet cheese shop will guide you regarding the various brands that are on the shelves.

Feta cheese can be ordered online or purchased at the supermarkets. It is generally packed in containers with brine added, which preserves the cheese and its sensational tangy flavor.