Feta-Style Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese
Feta-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is homogeneous, uncooked, pressed and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Feta-Style Cheese?
Feta-style cheese is a crumbly, brined cheese typically made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy and salty flavor with a creamy texture that is both smooth and slightly grainy. This cheese is often used in Mediterranean dishes, adding a bright and savory element to salads, pastries, and grilled vegetables. Its distinct flavor pairs well with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, making it a staple in Greek cuisine. Feta-style cheese can be found in blocks or crumbled form and is stored in a brine to maintain its moisture and freshness. It's a versatile cheese that can also be used in cooking, melting well in dishes such as spanakopita or on top of pizzas. The cheese's white color and slightly sharp taste make it a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications.
What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
What's the Difference Between Feta-Style Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta-Style Cheese | Ossau-Iraty Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed |
| Rind | — | Natural, smooth, orange to gray |
| Aging | — | Minimum 80-120 days |
| Taste | — | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta-Style Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Feta-Style Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta-Style Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta-Style Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta-Style Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta-Style Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Feta-Style Cheese made of?
Feta-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Feta-Style Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.