Tuesday’s Cupful: Feta Cheese

Smelly sometimes is a winner
This flavorful curd cheese dates back centuries. Homer speaks of cheese as being a gift from the gods. Traditional feta is made from goat’s milk or sheep’s milk. The word feta means “slice” in ancient Greek. It’s still one of the most popular food items associated with Greek cuisine. Additionally, feta is still the most important food export from Greece. The majority of the world’s supply of feta cheese is now mostly made from cow’s milk with many countries making their own versions. The cheese must be aged to reach maturity in flavor. It’s considered one of the world’s finest cheeses. Look for a strong, pungent, salty milk flavor that’s also briny. To some, it's well, rather stinky. The color is pure white with a crumbly texture. Cooks use feta cheese in many dishes, such as fresh salads or as a topping for pizza.