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Feta Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese
Feta Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Mozzarella Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Mozzarella Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Mozzarella 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.
Mozzarella Cheese Overview
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Mozzarella 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). Mozzarella is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild".
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 . Mozzarella Cheese has a color of white , comes in balls, blocks, shredded and has an aging period of eaten fresh .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none , with calf's or microbial rennet.
Ranking
Feta is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views. Mozzarella is ranked #40 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Mozzarella | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | 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 | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna |
| Other Good Pairings | 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 | Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Mozzarella pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Varies |
| Moisture Content | High | High |
| Rind | None | None |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Soft, creamy |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Mild, milky |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Mild |
| Colors | White | White |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Balls, blocks, shredded |
| Age | 2 months to longer | Eaten fresh |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf's or microbial rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a soft, creamy consistency, Mozzarella might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Mozzarella offers a mild, milky profile, ideal for different meals.
