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Feta Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
Feta Cheese
Tête de Moine Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Tête de Moine 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.
Tête de Moine Cheese Overview
Tête de Moine, meaning "monk’s head," is a Swiss cheese made from cow's milk. It is traditionally shaved into rosette-shaped slices using a girolle. The cheese has a firm texture and a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and nutty undertone, ideal for elegant cheese platters.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Tête de Moine Cheese originated from Switzerland.
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). Tête de Moine Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Tête de Moine 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". Tête de Moine's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Tête de Moine Cheese has a nutty taste. Tête de Moine's aroma can be described as "rich".
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 .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views. Tête de Moine is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Tête de Moine | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tête de Moine pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Unpasteurized |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Nutty |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Rich |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| 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 consistency, Tête de Moine might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tête de Moine offers a nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
