Sfela cheese is a delectable semi-hard white brine cheese, deeply rooted in Greek culinary heritage. Originating from the southern Peloponnese, specifically the picturesque prefectures of Messinia and Laconia, this spicy, salty cheese boasts a unique taste profile characterized by its rich acidity. Traditional Production and PDO Recognition Producing sfela cheese is an age-old art, steeped in profound traditions. Crafted from fresh, whole, and sometimes unpasteurized (if day-old) highly acidic goat's and sheep's milk, sfela earns its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status granted by the European Union in 1996. With strict quality requirements, this PDO-certified cheese contains a maximum moisture content of 45% by weight, a minimum fat content of 40% on dry matter, protein levels of 21-22%, and 4.7% salt. Craftsmanship and Etymology The cheese-making process involves coagulation at a controlled temperature, followed by cutting the curd into lentil-sized pieces, reheating