What is the Difference Between Danish and Greek Feta

Feta is a white-brined cheese that has been used in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. Feta cheese is traditionally made in Greece. However, some other countries like Denmark, France, and Germany also produce feta. Although these are also called feta, there are some differences between them.

What is the difference between Danish and Greek Feta? Danish feta uses cow’s milk, whereas Greek Feta uses sheep milk or a mix of goat and sheep milk.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Greek Feta
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Danish Feta
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Danish and Greek Feta
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Danish and Greek Feta
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Danish and Greek Feta
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Danish Feta, Greek Feta

What is Greek Feta

Feta is a type of brined white cheese originating from Greece. It is generally made using sheep milk or a mix of goat and sheep milk. Traditional Greek feta cheese contains at least 70% sheep’s milk, while the remaining 30% is goat’s milk. Greek Feta has a dry and crumbly texture and a salty and tangy flavor. It feels soft to the touch and has small or no holes. Feta cheese is generally formed into large blocks and aged in brine.

In Mediterranean cuisine, Greek Feta is used as a table cheese. It’s used in salads like Greek salads, in pastries like phyllo-based Greek dishes spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie). Moreover, it is sometimes sprinkled with herbs like oregano and often served with olives or olive oil.

Feta is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese in the European Union. Therefore, only cheese made in specific regions of Greece using specific types of milk and traditional methods can be labelled as ‘Feta’ according to law. This generally helps to protect the authenticity of Greek Feta.

What is Danish Feta

Danish feta is a creamier and smoother version of the Greek Feta cheese. It’s also called Danish White. One of the main differences in Danish feta is that it’s made from cow’s milk. Therefore, it has a milder and creamier texture. It’s also made using the ultrafiltration method. Although it isn’t authentic, many people like its creamy and mild flavor.

Danish feta can also be cubed and sliced without crumbling. It’s perfect for creamy dips, spreads, or recipes that need a smooth texture. Danish feta is also available in classic flavors as well as spiced with various herbs such as garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

Similarities Between Danish and Greek Feta

• Both Danish and Greek Feta are white cheeses.
• Both cheeses are aged in brine, so they have a salty taste.
• They are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Moreover, they can be used in salads, pastries, or as toppings for various dishes.

Difference Between Danish and Greek Feta

Definition

• Greek Feta is traditional brined cheese from Greece, made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk while Danish Feta is a milder, creamier brined cheese from Denmark, made from cow’s milk.

Ingredients

• Greek feta is made with at least 70% sheep’s milk and blended with up to 30% goat’s milk, whereas Danish feta is made from cow’s milk.

Texture

• Greek Feta is crumbly and slightly grainy and holds its shape well, whereas Danish Feta is smooth and creamy, often soft enough to spread on bread or crackers.

Flavor

• Greek Feta is bold and tangy, with a salty edge while Danish Feta is milder, with a softer and buttery taste.

Culinary Uses

• Greek Feta is best for traditional Mediterranean dishes, crumbling over salads, or adding to savory pastries, whereas Danish Feta is best for creamy dips, spreads, or recipes where a smooth texture is needed.

Authenticity

• Greek Feta is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in the EU, but Danish Feta is not considered authentic.

FAQ: Danish and Greek Feta

1. Is Greek or Danish Feta better?

Greek Feta is better if you want a bold, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture, while Danish Feta is better if you want a mild, creamy cheese that’s easy to spread or cube.

2. What is Danish Feta made of?

Danish Feta cheese is made of cow’s milk. In fact, this is the factor that differentiates it from Greek Feta cheese, which mainly consists of sheep’s milk and some amounts of goat’s milk.

3. Which feta is best for cooking?

Greek Feta is best for traditional Mediterranean dishes, crumbling over salads or adding to savory pastries like spanakopita. recipes. Danish feta, on the other hand, is best for creamy recipes, dips, or spreads that require a smooth texture.

4. Which feta melts best?

Danish Feta melts better than Greek Feta because of its creamy texture and cow’s milk base. It softens nicely in warm dishes. Greek Feta, on the other hand, doesn’t melt as easily—it tends to soften and hold its shape, which makes it better for crumbling over dishes.

Reference:

1. “Danish Feta.” Cheese.com.

2. “Feta Cheese Guide.” Choice.com.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Feta Greece 2” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Candy stripe beet taco with Danish feta, Castlevaltrano olives, almond chile, & scallions” By T.Tseng (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr