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Feta Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Pimento 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.
Pimento Cheese Overview
Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.
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). Pimento is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".
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 . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #100 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Pimento | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Pimento pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | United States |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Southern United States |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Spreadable |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
| 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 spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.
