Ricotta Cheese vs Feta Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Feta Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Ricotta Cheese and Feta Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Ricotta Cheese and Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Ricotta Cheese and Feta Cheese the same?"
- "How does Ricotta Cheese compare to Feta Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Ricotta Cheese compare to Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Ricotta Cheese or Feta Cheese better?"
Ricotta Cheese Overview
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined <a href="https://anycheese.com/glossary/cheese-curds/" title="Explore our detailed guide on cheese curds">curd</a> 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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Ricotta is ranked #20 out of 377 types based on community views.
Feta is ranked #26 out of 377 types based on community views.
Country of Origin
Ricotta Cheese comes from Italy. Feta Cheese originated from Greece.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Ricotta is not a protected cheese. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002).
Milk Type and Treatment
Ricotta Cheese is made with cow, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically unknown. Feta Cheese is made with goat or sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Ricotta Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Ricotta's texture can be described as "soft, moist". Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine".
Flavor and Aroma
Ricotta Cheese has a sweet, slightly creamy flavor. Ricotta's aroma can be described as "mild". Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild flavor.
Appearance and Aging
Ricotta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in grainy soft mass and is aged fresh . Feta Cheese has a color of white , comes in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and has an aging period of 2 months to longer .
Rind and Rennet Type
Ricotta Cheese's rind is described as none and uses animal or microbial rennet. Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Ricotta Cheese | Feta Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Greece |
Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | |
Certification | None | PDO (2002) |
Milk Type | Cow's, Sheep's, Buffalo's | Sheep's Milk, or blend with Goat's |
Milk Treatment | Whey | Pasteurized, sometimes raw |
Fat Content | Varies | |
Moisture Content | High | High |
Rind | None | None |
Texture | Soft, moist | Soft, white, aged in brine |
Flavor | Sweet, slightly creamy | Sharp to mild |
Aroma | Mild | |
Colors | White | White |
Forms | Grainy soft mass | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels |
Age | Fresh | 2 months to longer |
Rennet Type | Animal or Microbial |