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Feta Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Feta Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Parmesan 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.
Parmesan Cheese Overview
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Parmesan 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). Parmesan is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, 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 . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Parmesan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No pairings listed. |
| 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 | Shrimp |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Parmesan pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Parmesan 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 milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Unpasteurized |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Hard, artisan |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Salty, savory |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | White | Straw |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Not Specified |
| Age | 2 months to longer | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.
