Feta Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Feta Cheese is a soft goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Feta Cheese (Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Feta Cheese offers ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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 semi-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Feta Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Feta Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Does Feta Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Feta Cheese leans ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.