Why is feta cheese so salty?

* Traditional Method: Feta is traditionally made with sheep's or goat's milk, sometimes a mixture of both. The milk is curdled with rennet, then the curds are drained and pressed into molds.

* Brining: The key to feta's salty taste is the brining process. After molding, the cheese is submerged in a brine solution made of salt and water. This brine is essential for several reasons:

* Preservation: Brining helps preserve the cheese, preventing spoilage.

* Flavor: The brine permeates the cheese, imparting its salty flavor.

* Texture: Brining helps develop the characteristic crumbly texture of feta.

* Salt Content: The amount of salt used in the brine and the duration of the brining process can vary, which ultimately affects the saltiness of the final product.

So, while feta can be quite salty, remember that its saltiness is a result of its traditional production method and is meant to enhance its flavor and preserve it.