In the latest culinary awards by TasteAtlas, Greek cuisine proudly clinched the third spot globally, trailing behind Italy and Japan. While the news brings a mixed bag of emotions for Greece, there's one particular aspect that's stirring up a storm in the land of Zeus and olive trees – the ranking of their beloved cheese, feta.
Feta, the creamy, tangy delight that has long been a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, found itself in a rather unexpected position on the list of the world's best cheeses. Outrageously, it landed 88th place out of 100, causing shockwaves among cheese aficionados and Greek food enthusiasts worldwide.
The fuss over feta
But why the fuss over feta? Well, let's start with its history. Dating back to ancient times, feta has been a staple in Greek culture for centuries. Its crumbly texture and vibrant flavour have won over hearts far beyond the borders of Greece. From salads to pastries and everything in between, feta's versatility knows no bounds.
Beloved worldwide, feta is the key ingredient of many of the most renowned Greek dishes. From the refreshing simplicity of the Greek Salad (Horiatiki), adorned with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives, to the comforting layers of Spanakopita, a savoury pie marrying spinach, onions, and aromatic herbs with the creamy richness of feta, each dish exudes the essence of Greek gastronomy. Furthermore, in Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie), where feta, eggs, and fragrant herbs intertwine within delicate layers of flaky phyllo dough, and in the indulgent Saganaki, a beloved appetiser featuring fried feta, accompanied by a burst of honey or citrus from lemon juice, feta's presence elevates these culinary creations to iconic status, resonating with foodies around the globe.
For Greeks, feta isn't just cheese – it's a symbol of their heritage, a taste of home, and a source of immense pride. Generations have grown up savouring its salty goodness, and its presence in Greek cuisine is as ubiquitous as the blue skies over the Aegean Sea.
Not to mention the health benefits. Packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics, feta is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's no wonder Greeks swear by it as a key ingredient in their Mediterranean diet, touted as one of the healthiest in the world.
So, imagine the disbelief when feta found itself ranked so low among its cheesy peers. Social media feeds have erupted with cries of injustice, lamenting the perceived snub, some even joking that the TasteAtlas judges must have misplaced their taste buds.
But fear not, feta faithful, for this setback is merely a blip on the radar. No ranking can diminish the love and devotion Greeks have for their beloved cheese. So, while the world may have its opinions, one thing remains clear – feta will always reign supreme in the hearts and taste buds of those who truly appreciate its crumbly, salty goodness.
For more culinary adventures and a full list of the TasteAtlas Awards, visit www.tasteatlas.com/best/.
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