Feta Cheese vs Ricotta di Pecora Cheese

Feta Cheese is a soft goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is fresh and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Feta Cheese?

Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly and slightly grainy, tangy and salty, and it anchors dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita.

What Is Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

Ricotta di Pecora is a fresh sheep whey cheese from Sicily, Sardinia, Campania, Lazio and other parts of southern Italy. It is on Sicily's list of traditional agri-food products and shows up constantly in Sicilian sweets.

What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

• Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Feta Cheese (Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Feta Cheese (Pasteurized, sometimes raw), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (Fresh)
• Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (creamy, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese brings creamy, sweet character. On the nose, Feta Cheese offers ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, contrasted with Ricotta di Pecora Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Ricotta di Pecora Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese brings creamy, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a fresh profile, Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese comes from Italy. Feta Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Ricotta di Pecora Cheese uses sheep.

Is Feta Cheese similar to Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Feta Cheese taste like Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is creamy, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Feta Cheese leans ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, and Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is closer to fresh.

What is Feta Cheese made of?

Feta Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.

What is Ricotta di Pecora Cheese made of?

Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is fresh.