Feta Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

Feta Cheese

Halloumi Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Halloumi Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?"
  • "Is Feta Cheese and Halloumi Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Feta Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese?"
  • "Is Feta Cheese or Halloumi Cheese better?"

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.

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Feta is ranked #27 out of 866 types based on community views.

Halloumi is ranked #128 out of 866 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002). Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).

Milk Type and Treatment

Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".

Flavor and Aroma

Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild flavor. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty flavor. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Feta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and is aged 2 months to longer . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feta Cheese Halloumi Cheese
Country of Origin Greece Cyprus
Specific Origin Throughout Greece Cyprus
Certification PDO (2002) PDO (2014)
Milk Type Goat's and sheep's milk Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized, sometimes raw None
Moisture Content High None
Rind None No rind
Texture Soft, white, aged in brine Semihard
Flavor Sharp to mild Mild, salty
Aroma Nutty, strong Strong
Colors White White to light yellow
Forms Blocks submerged in brine, barrels None
Age 2 months to longer 40 days
Rennet Type None Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Feta Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

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