Feta and goat cheese are both popular types of cheeses. Each of them can also substitute for the other in recipes. It is also for this reason why it’s important to understand the difference between Feta and Goat cheese.
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What is Feta Cheese
Feta Cheese is a type of white curd cheese that’s brined. In Greece (its origin), Feta cheese is either made of sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat’s milk. In Europe, Feta-like and Feta versions are made using cow’s milk (in part or in whole).
The texture of Feta cheese is semi-soft. It is also crumbly in texture, especially when aged. As for its taste, it’s quite salty – but you can rinse the cheese under running water if you want to wash off some of its saltiness.
Feta cheese is a versatile (and delicious) cheese that’s often included in salads and pastries. It can also be served as is as appetizer and side dish.
What is Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, which is made from goat’s milk, has a unique taste. Its flavor can be described as mildly tart and subtle in taste (not very salty).
To make Goat cheese, it can be curdled naturally and then drained. To achieve a more solid form, it can be pressed. It’s a semi-soft type of cheese, that’s why its form can be altered.
Goat cheese can also be made by adding an acidic ingredient (vinegar or lemon juice) to the milk mixture. The milk will then coagulate and slowly form into cheese during the curing process.
You can immediately consume freshly made Goat cheese. You can also allow it to age and become firmer. When aged, Goat cheese is typically brined to preserve the cheese.
Differences Between Feta Cheese and Goat Cheese
Difference #1 Nutritional Value
As with other types of food, cheese has its own pros and cons when it comes to its nutritional content. To differentiate between Feta and Goat cheese, remember these things:
Note: Feta has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other types of cheese. It comes with good bacteria (like those found in yogurts) that can combat Listeria (a type of bacteria).
Difference # 2 – Taste
All kinds of cheese really do taste good – and they all have their distinctive tastes. To compare the taste of Feta and Goat cheese, remember the following:
Difference #3 – Texture
Different types of cheese have different textures. Keep these things in mind when trying to distinguish between Feta and Goat cheese:
Feta is a firm type of cheese – that’s why it can be cubed and stored in brine as such. Although it’s semi-solid in its chunky form, it easily crumbles (especially when heated up). You see, Feta can be manually crumbled and added to dishes.
Unlike Feta cheese, Goat cheese is more delicate in nature. And because of this, it crumbles more easily than Feta cheese. Yes, Goat cheese is softer than Feta cheese.
Difference #4 – Ingredients
Milk is the main ingredient in making cheese. And milk can be sourced from cows, sheep, water buffalos, and goats. When it comes to their milk sources, Feta and Goat cheese are different because of the following:
Feta cheese ingredients can include these milk sources:
- Sheep
- Goat
- Cow
Greek-made Feta cheese uses sheep’s milk (70% or more) and goat’s milk (30% or less).
American-made Feta cheese uses milk from cows only.
Goat cheese is exclusively made from goat’s milk wherever it’s made (Greece, France, UK, Italy, etc.).
FAQs
Q: Is Feta goat cheese or cow?
Q: Can you substitute Feta for Goat cheese?
Q: What is Feta Cheese good for?
Q: Is Gorgonzola Goat cheese?
Q: Is Blue Cheese Goat Cheese?
Top 3 Feta and Goat Cheese Recipes
Top 1 – Baked Feta and Goat Cheese Dip
Combining Feta and Goat cheese will result in a wonderful fusion of flavors. This particular recipe will make a dip and it involves baking (to melt the cheeses). You only need a few ingredients for this dip, such as the following:
- Goat cheese
- Feta cheese
- Thyme (fresh)
- Olive oil
Here are the steps involved in making this recipe:
Top 2 – Feta Cheese Vegetable Salad
Feta cheese goes well with a fresh vegetable salad. To make this particular recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- Feta cheese
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Parsley (fresh)
- Oregano (fresh)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- (optional) Romaine lettuce
For the dressing:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Balsamic vinegar
Follow these steps to make this delicious salad recipe:
Note: If you like, you can substitute Goat cheese for the Feta cheese ingredient.
Top 3 – Spinach Feta Omelet
Here’s a delicious, healthy omelet dish. You only need the following ingredients for this particular recipe:
- Eggs
- Feta cheese
- Spinach
- Oil
- Butter
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Here are the steps to making the omelet:
Note: You can use Goat cheese instead of Feta cheese.
Feta Vs. Goat Cheese
I hope you learned a lot from this post and now know how to differentiate Feta cheese from Goat cheese. I have also provided you with recipes wherein you can use the 2 types of cheeses.
Remember, Goat cheese and Feta cheese can substitute for each other. You can therefore use any of these types of cheese even when only one of them is required in a recipe. If you ask me, they’re both good – and they’re both yummy!
Let me know which is your favorite cheese by leaving a message in the comment box below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends.
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