, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Feta Cheese vs Pepato Cheese
Feta Cheese
Pepato Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Pepato Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Pepato Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Pepato Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Pepato Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Pepato Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Pepato 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.
Pepato Cheese Overview
Pepato is a variety of Pecorino that is studded with whole peppercorns, adding a spicy kick to the otherwise nutty and salty flavor of the sheep's milk cheese. This hard, granular cheese is excellent for grating over dishes to add depth and a peppery zest.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Pepato 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). Pepato is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Pepato Cheese is made with sheep 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". Pepato's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Pepato Cheese has a salty, spicy taste. Pepato's aroma can be described as "spicy".
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 . Pepato Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Pepato Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views. Pepato is ranked #185 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Pepato | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Pepato pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Pepato 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 | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Unpasteurized |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Salty, spicy |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Spicy |
| 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 semi-hard, artisan consistency, Pepato might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pepato offers a salty, spicy profile, ideal for different meals.
