What is feta cheese? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of feta cheese in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of feta cheese

feta cheesenoun

phô mai feta

/ˌfetə ˈtʃiːz//ˌfetə ˈtʃiːz/

Where does the word feta cheese come from?

The origin of the word "feta cheese" can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was originally known as "tyrimas." However, due to a confusion with the word "tyrinos," which meant "cheese of the prince," the name "tyrimas" was changed to "psimi," which literally means "raw" or "uncooked" cheese. In the 19th century, a new cheese-making process was developed in Greece, which involved curing the cheese in a brine solution, giving it a distinct tangy flavor. This new cheese was named "feta," which comes from the Greek word "pehtra," meaning "rock." The name was chosen because the cheese was traditionally stored and matured in caves and rocky areas, where the cool, moist conditions were ideal for the aging process. After Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, feta cheese became a source of national pride and identity for the Greeks. It was recognized as a traditional Greek product and was included in the country's first constitution, which was adopted in 1822. Since then, feta cheese has become a symbol of Greek culture and is recognized worldwide as a distinctive cheese with a unique flavor and history.

Example of vocabulary feta cheesenamespace

  • The salads at this Greek restaurant are particularly delicious due to the generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese they use.
  • To add some tanginess to your pasta dish, try sprinkling some feta cheese on top before serving.
  • Feta cheese goes well with almost any vegetable, making it a healthy and tasty addition to your daily diets.
  • For a classic Mediterranean flavor, add some feta cheese to your homemade hummus.
  • Dice some juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, toss them in olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle some feta cheese, and you have a simple and scrumptious salad.

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