Feta cheese is a beloved type of cheese, known for its tangy flavor and crumbly texture. A quarter cup of natural crumbled feta cheese contains approximately 70 calories. This article will provide readers with all they need to know about feta cheese, its nutrition facts, benefits, and usage ideas.

In addition to its unique taste, feta cheese also packs quite a nutritional punch. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. A quarter cup of feta cheese provides up to 14% of your daily recommended intake of calcium and 12% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin B12.

Whether you're a cheese lover or simply seeking new flavors to try in your cooking, feta cheese is a fantastic and versatile option to experiment with.

Feta Cheese Nutrition Facts

Feta cheese is made primarily from sheep's milk, although some recipes may include goat's milk as well. This unique blend of milk gives feta cheese a distinct tangy flavor that is unlike any other cheese. On top of its flavor, feta cheese is also packed full of nutrients that are essential to human health. A quarter cup of feta cheese contains approximately 70 calories, 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 1g of carbohydrates. Feta cheese is a great source of protein, providing up to 10g in a 100g serving. It is also an excellent source of calcium, containing more calcium per gram than many other types of cheese. Additionally, feta cheese contains all 8 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. While feta cheese may be high in sodium, with a single serving containing up to 380mg, it is still much lower in sodium than other types of cheese, such as blue cheese or parmesan.

Health Benefits of Feta Cheese

Feta cheese offers many health benefits. For starters, it is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Additionally, feta cheese contains beneficial probiotics that help to promote healthy gut flora and support digestion. Feta cheese is also a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining healthy nerve function and producing red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans, as it is found primarily in animal products. Adding a little bit of feta cheese to a vegetarian or vegan dish can provide a much-needed boost of this essential nutrient. Finally, feta cheese is rich in protein, which is necessary for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein is also essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and promoting feelings of fullness and satiety.

Ways to Enjoy Crumbled Feta Cheese

One of the best things about feta cheese is its versatility. It can be crumbled over salads, used as a stuffing for chicken or seafood, sprinkled on pizza, or added to omelets and frittatas. Here are a few more ideas to get you started: - Add feta cheese to a Greek-inspired wrap with hummus, roasted vegetables, and spinach - Combine crumbled feta cheese with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a simple Greek salad

How to Store Crumbled Feta Cheese

To ensure that your crumbled feta cheese stays fresh, it is important to store it properly. Keep it in its original container in the refrigerator, and make sure it is tightly sealed. It is best to consume crumbled feta cheese within two weeks of opening the package, as it can spoil quickly. If you want to prolong the shelf life of your crumbled feta cheese, you can try storing it in an airtight container with a paper towel. The paper towel will help to absorb any excess moisture, which can cause the cheese to spoil more quickly.

Feta Cheese vs Other Cheeses

Feta cheese is a unique type of cheese that offers a distinctive flavor and texture. It is important to note that feta cheese is not the same as other types of cheese, such as blue cheese or cheddar cheese. Here are a few key differences between feta cheese and other types of cheese: - Feta cheese is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk, while blue cheese is made from cow's milk - Feta cheese has a tangy, salty flavor, while cheddar cheese is more mild and buttery

Feta Cheese and Mediterranean Cuisine

Feta cheese is an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Greek cuisine. It is often used as a topping for salads, added to savory pies and pastries, and used in dips and spreads. The tangy flavor of feta cheese pairs particularly well with Mediterranean flavors such as olives, lemon, and fresh herbs. Some popular Greek dishes that feature feta cheese as a key ingredient include spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), melitzanosalata (roasted eggplant dip with feta), and horiatiki salad (Greek salad with feta, olives, and cucumbers).

Low-Calorie Cheese Alternative

For those seeking a lower calorie cheese alternative, feta cheese is an excellent choice. It is lower in calories and fat than many other types of cheese, making it a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, because it is so flavorful, a little bit of feta cheese can go a long way. To make a low-calorie feta cheese dip, simply combine crumbled feta cheese with plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This dip is great with raw vegetables or whole wheat pita chips.

Crumbled Feta Cheese Salad Ideas

Feta cheese is a fantastic addition to any salad. Its tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of different vegetables, fruits, and dressings. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Combine crumbled feta cheese with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Top with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. - Mix crumbled feta cheese with arugula, sliced pear, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with honey mustard dressing.

Feta Cheese and Greek-inspired Dishes

If you enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean, feta cheese is a must-have ingredient in your kitchen. Here are a few Greek-inspired dishes that feature feta cheese prominently: - Greek stuffed peppers: Mix cooked rice with chopped tomatoes, red onion, and green peppers. Top with crumbled feta cheese and bake until bubbly. - Greek flatbread pizza: Top whole wheat flatbread with tomato sauce, olives, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Bake until crispy and golden.

Crumbled Feta Cheese in Italian Cuisine

While feta cheese is traditionally associated with Greek cuisine, it can also be used in Italian-inspired dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Feta-stuffed meatballs: Mix ground beef with crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg. Roll into balls and bake until browned and cooked through. - Feta and olive pasta: Cook whole wheat pasta until al dente. Toss with olive oil, chopped kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.