Can Babies Eat Feta Cheese?
Feta or feta cheese is a soft brined white cheese made from sheep milk or from a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, specific to Greece. It is usually produced in blocks, and has a slightly grainy texture compared to other types of cheese. There are three types of feta based on their texture: hard, medium-hardness and soft, and based on their aromas, feta cheese can be: salty, spicy or mild. Feta is used in many forms: as table cheese, in Greek salads, in pastries, grilled, in omelettes and it is often served with olive oil, olives, basil or oregano.
The word itself comes from the Italian word feta, meaning slice. The word was introduced into the Greek language in the 17th century, even if cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk was produced in Greece since the 8th century BC, and this form of cheese was widely used in Greek gastronomy.
Feta cheese is high in calories, fats, protein, and it also contains vitamins A, B, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and zink. Calcium is beneficial for the health of bones.
Can Babies Eat Feta Cheese ?
Babies can eat pasteurized full fat cheese starting at the age of 6 months old. The process of pasteurization makes the cheese safe to eat, because during this process harmful bacteria gets killed. Babies should not eat mould-ripened soft cheeses like camembert or brie, because these types of cheese might carry listeria.
Mini Tomato and Feta Omelettes
Ingredients: melted butter for greasing, 4 beaten eggs, 2 tbsp chopped chives, 3 finely sliced tomatoes, 75g crumbled feta cheese, salt, black pepper.
Brush lightly with the melted butter a 12 holes mini muffin tray. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, until they are well combined. Pour the mixture into the greased holes and put the tray into a preheated oven on 220°C for approximately 10 minutes, until the “muffins” turn golden and are puffed up. Take out of the oven and serve them warm.
FAQ
What is feta?
Feta or feta cheese is a soft brined white cheese made from sheep milk or from a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, specific to Greece.
How healthy is feta?
Feta cheese is high in calories, fats, protein, and it also contains vitamins A, B, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and zink. Calcium is beneficial for the health of bones.
When can you start giving feta to your baby?
Babies can eat pasteurized full fat cheese starting at the age of 6 months old. The process of pasteurization makes the cheese safe to eat, because during this process harmful bacteria gets killed.
The risks of giving feta to your baby?
Serve feta cheese only in sizes your baby can chew easily, avoiding the risk of choking.