Feta cheese (optional)

Description

Feta cheese is a white, crumbly cheese with a distinct, slightly tangy-salty flavor and a grainy, creamy texture, usually sold in blocks or crumbled. Its aroma is fresh, with a hint of dairy and sheep character, which pairs well with herbs and olive oil. Nutritionally, feta provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12, and in varieties made from sheep's milk, also beneficial fatty acids; it has a moderate fat content and relatively higher sodium content, so it's worth considering in your diet. It can support feelings of fullness and bone health and provide probiotics in fresh varieties. In the kitchen, feta pairs wonderfully with salads (e.g., Greek), casseroles, spreads, omelets, fillings for pastries like spanakopita, as well as roasted vegetables or bruschetta. Store it in the refrigerator, preferably in brine or in an airtight container with damp paper, which extends freshness for several weeks; crumbled feta should be used within a few days. It can be frozen, but the texture will become more crumbly.