I realize that with all the problems Greece is facing, and for all the help it needs from it's neighbors in Europe, getting all worked up about feta cheese seems trivial, but there are somethings that even the worst economic crisis shouldn't mask.
The EU's highest court has ruled, Feta is from Greece, and ONLY Greece. No more appeals by poser-feta-producing nations ((( Denmark, Germany ))). Done!
I can ((( and sometimes do ))) make feta a part of all three daily meals, so I've done my homework and know that there is good Greek feta to be found in the United States. My current favorite is Kolios, which can be difficult to find, primarily because as soon as my local Middle Eastern grocery store stocks it, it's gone. People like me hoard feta, we buy in quantities, cause it lasts a long time. Another one of my favorite brands is Dodoni, which you can buy at Costco. Gotta love Costco.
And since in the United States, the EU ruling is not recognized, Kalliope needs to spread the word. Here are some facts to help navigate in our crazy world of too much choice. Real feta, Greek Feta is made from sheep's milk. It can have a certain percentage of goat's milk, not more than 30%. Period. Done!
For those of you who haven't adopted Feta cheese into your daily diet, I am thinking that it is most likely because you haven't had the real thing. You have probably had those white cheeses masquerading as feta, that crowd the refrigerator section at many supermarkets. Athenos brand ((( made in Wisconsin ))) comes to mind.. made from cow's milk, it possesses none of the taste or texture of the real thing. Beware of cows posing as sheep. That's a "moo" you hear when you open that container of Athenos. Pay attention.
It's time for breakfast now... toast with feta and a cup of coffee.
Καλή όρεξη.
Maria, I will look for it when we are in Greece in just a few weeks :).
Posted by: kalliope | 05 June 2010 at 18:49
here's my absolutely favorite feta, which thankfully i can get at my local supermarket these days - altho feta is made in crete too, i prefer to buy FETA PLATAION, which is a firm feta, slightly salty, and it doesnt crumble unless purposely broken
altho i dont really need to hoard feta, it isnt cheap to buy it, so when it is on special (rarely), i do buy a large block - it keeps well in its own brine
Posted by: maria | 05 June 2010 at 13:48
Hello Kalliope. Thanks for visiting my blog, it gave me the chance to discover yours.
I LOVE feta. It's my favorite cheese in the world and I can't go a day without eating a piece of it. Well, I am Greek after all!
Magda
Posted by: my little expat kitchen | 30 May 2010 at 10:16