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Colby Cheese vs Feta Cheese
Colby Cheese
Feta Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby Cheese and Feta Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Colby Cheese and Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Colby Cheese and Feta Cheese the same?"
- "How does Colby Cheese compare to Feta Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Colby Cheese compare to Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Colby Cheese or Feta Cheese better?"
Colby Cheese Overview
Colby is an American cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to cheddar but is softer, moister, and milder in flavor. Colby is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic texture with a creamy, mild flavor that makes it popular in cheeseburgers and sandwiches.
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Colby Cheese comes from United States. Feta Cheese originated from Greece.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Colby is not a protected cheese. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002).
Milk Type and Treatment
Colby Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of 40%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer". Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine".
Taste and Aroma
Colby Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Colby's aroma can be described as "mild, sweet". Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
Appearance and Aging
Colby Cheese's appearance is colored orange , is available in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and is aged < 3 months . Feta Cheese has a color of white , comes in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and has an aging period of 2 months to longer .
Rind and Rennet Type
Colby Cheese's rind is described as none . Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Colby is ranked #32 out of 996 types based on community views. Feta is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Colby | Feta | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Pulled Pork, Riesling | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Colby and Feta pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Colby Cheese | Feta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Colby, Wisconsin | Throughout Greece |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (2002) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized, sometimes raw |
| Fat Content | ~31–32% (total weight basis) | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | 40% | High |
| Rind | None | None |
| Texture | Slightly curdy, softer | Soft, white, aged in brine |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Sharp to mild |
| Aroma | Mild, sweet | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Orange | White |
| Forms | Longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, Colby Jack | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels |
| Age | < 3 months | 2 months to longer |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a slightly curdy, softer cheese, go for Colby. But if you enjoy a soft, white, aged in brine consistency, Feta might be the better pick. Colby has a mild, milky taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Feta offers a sharp to mild profile, ideal for different meals.
