Feta Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Mascarpone 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.
Mascarpone Cheese Overview
Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 375 types.
Mascarpone is ranked #47 out of 375 types.
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Mascarpone Cheese originated from Italy.
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). Mascarpone is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat or sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable".
Flavor and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild flavor. Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy flavor.
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 . Mascarpone Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Feta Cheese | Mascarpone Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Greece | Italy |
Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Lombardy |
Certification | PDO (2002) | None |
Milk Type | Sheep's Milk, or blend with Goat's | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Heated |
Fat Content | 60 to 75 percent | |
Moisture Content | High | |
Rind | None | |
Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Soft, spreadable |
Flavor | Sharp to mild | Buttery to slightly tangy |
Colors | White | White |
Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | |
Age | 2 months to longer |