Greek Cheeses Among the Best in the World
With Brazil’s Canastra in first place, Greece’s Kalathaki Limnou and Graviera Naxou claim second and third place respectively in Taste Atlas’ recent “50 Best Cheeses” list.
From the famous cheese-producing region of Metsovo in Epirus, northwest Greece, smoky Metsovone is ranked fifth-best in the world. Kefalotyri comes in 10th, and Graviera Kritis in 11th place. Galotyri is rated as 15th best and San Michali 16th, Kefalograviera 19th, Kopanisti 21st, Mytilinis’ Ladotyri 39th best, Crete’s Xynomizithra 42nd, Kasseri 45th and Anthotyro 46th.
But what about Feta? For all its international renown as the “Greekest” of Greek cheeses, the creamy, crumbly star of the ubiquitous Greek salad, how did it fare on Taste Atlas’ list?
Well, feta didn’t make it on the world’s 50 Best Cheeses list, but when it comes its global popularity, it fares excellently, according to another Taste Atlas report.
In a list of the World’s 100 Most Popular Cheeses, Feta is rated as the third most beloved cheese in the world, with a rating of 4.2 stars out of 5.
The list of 100 most popular cheeses offers a thorough account of each cheese, and even suggests food and drink pairings. Taste Atlas writes: “Feta is the most famous Greek cheese, affectionately called ‘the princess of cheeses.’”
The website suggests serving it with Fasolada (bean stew) and a Riesling (white) or Beaujolais (red) wine.