The Artisanal Feta Revival: Crafting Cheese the Traditional Way

With a history dating back thousands of years ago, Feta cheese is a part of almost every dish because of its low-fat and easily digested nature. Check out the history, recipes and dishes you can try with cheese.

Sakshi Arora

Updated Jun 24, 2024, 02:59 PM IST

Feta is a white-coloured cheese prepared from the milk of goats and sheep. Renowned for being one of the most famous and the oldest cheeses in the world, feta cheese is easier to digest than most fermented cheeses. With lower fat content, this cheese is the best cheese choice for health-conscious people, when consumed in moderation.

History of Feta

Cheesemaking has been a part of human civilisation for well over 8,000 years. According to Greek legends, the cyclops Polyphemus in Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, was the first to prepare cheese. Transporting the milk collected from his sheep in skin bags made from animal stomachs, he was greatly surprised one day to find that the milk had curdled, forming a solid, tasty, and preservable substance.

While the story itself is a myth, the concept remains true and coincides with how Ancient Greeks were making cheese at that time. Today, the method remains almost unchanged. Feta cheese, first mentioned in Byzantine times as 'prosphatos' and associated with Crete, was described in 1494 by Italian traveller Pietro Casola. Greeks began using the name 'feta' in the 17th century, likely referring to the practice of slicing the cheese for storage or serving.

5 Ways To Use Feta Cheese

This cheese is widely used as a garnishing over the dishes and is also relished with wine for a delightful evening.

Feta cheese can offer a great taste when served on top of the pizza. Just like other cheeses, garnish feta cheese and gift your tastebuds with a refreshing treat.
Feta cheese is a great accompaniment to salads. Who doesn’t like having cheese with an ordinary veggie bowl? Top your veggie-filled bowl with feta cheese for a flavourful taste.
For cheesy potato bites, add a feta cheese block inside the filling of the regular potato balls and pair it with ketchup for a delightful evening snack.
Have feta cheese with pasta! Top your pasta with delicious and creamy feta cheese and enjoy your super cheesy pasta with a hint of seasonings.
Add a layer of feta cheese inside your regular burgers and make your ordinary burger the absolute best. Pair a cheesy dip with your burger and enjoy!

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