From production to the plate, feta is one of a kind

From appearance to texture and flavor, feta cheese is deliciously different. The crumbly, white cheese offers a bright, tangy taste that’s incredibly versatile and complements both sweet and savory foods.

American-made feta cheese from Agropur is crafted with pride, experience and close attention to detail. It results in a rich flavor that can elevate most any dish.

Agropur’s feta is made with high-quality milk from cows in the heart of Wisconsin, a US state with a global reputation for superior cheesemaking. Our Weyauwega, WI cheese facility is the nation’s largest feta producer. Its team upholds Wisconsin’s rich traditions, creating feta that has consistently earned top honors at US and World Cheese Championship events.

Erin Daehn, Feta Production Manager for Agropur’s Weyauwega, WI facility, said there are several ways feta differs from other cheeses whether in the production process or on the plate.

“One of the big differences between feta and other cheeses is that we don’t have a cooking step, which is cooking the curd to dry out the moisture,” Daehn said. “It’s a higher moisture cheese. Another interesting thing about feta is that it doesn’t melt like other cheeses. It keeps its shape when it’s cooked.”

Great feta starts with great milk, which is tested for safety and quality upon arrival to the facility. It’s run through a pasteurizer and moves to the coagulator where it takes about an hour and a half to create curd.

Feta achieves much of its flavor from the lipase enzyme used in feta production. When the curd is ready, it’s packed into block molds for a day. From there, the nine-pound loaves are packed in brine where the feta takes on its distinctive saltiness.

Some of Agropur’s feta is shipped in the brine. Some is drained and vacuum packed.

Feta is frequently sold in crumbled form, making it easy to sprinkle onto your favorite foods. Feta in block form recently gained new popularity after a TikTok recipe featuring the cheese took the world by storm. In either form, consumers will enjoy a flavor and texture that’s one of a kind.

“It doesn’t taste like other cheeses,” Daehn said. “It can be an acquired taste for some.”

For Daehn, it’s a favorite.

Because it doesn’t melt, it’s an excellent cheese to serve as a soup topping. It’s a staple of Mediterranean dishes and works well with fruit, such as blueberries or Mandarin oranges. It makes a savory omelet and adds great flavor to appetizers or snack-time dips.

“It’s a great add-on to salads and pizza,” Daehn said.

Agropur is the cheesemaker of choice for high-quality feta, offering many delicious varieties. Click here to learn more about feta cheese from Agropur.