Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of feta cheese production. Please consider the following:
- Have you ever tried feta cheese in a Greek restaurant or at home? What did you think of its taste and texture?
- Do you know anyone who produces cheese or has a favorite type of cheese? What do they like about it?
- Have you traveled to Greece or tried any Greek cuisine? What did you enjoy most about the food?
- How do you think the production process of cheese might be similar to or different from other food products you’re familiar with?
- What do you think might be the most challenging part of producing high-quality feta cheese?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on the image? Consider the following questions:
- What are the main elements in the image? Are there any people, animals, or objects that catch your attention?
- Do you see any clues about the production process of feta cheese in the image?
- What do you think the image is trying to convey about the topic of feta cheese production?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of feta cheese production. As you read, consider the following questions:
- What are the main ingredients used to make feta cheese?
- How does the combination of sheep’s milk and goat’s milk affect the taste and texture of feta cheese?
- What do you think might be the most important factors in producing high-quality feta cheese?
Video Engagement:
Watch the video about how authentic feta cheese is made in Greece, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFHDHqEE-Qw or read more about the process at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/how-authentic-feta-cheese-is-made-in-greece-regional-eats/. Pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions:
- Pause at 2 minutes: What is the first step in the production process of feta cheese? How does pasteurization affect the milk?
- Pause at 5 minutes: What is the role of cultures and rennet in the fermentation process? How do they contribute to the development of the cheese?
- Pause at 8 minutes: What happens to the curd and whey during the aging process? How does this affect the final texture and flavor of the feta cheese?
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary related to feta cheese production, including:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Pasteurization | The process of heating milk to kill bacteria and extend shelf life. | The milk is pasteurized before being used for feta cheese production. |
| Fermentation | A process in which microorganisms like bacteria or yeast convert sugars into acids or gases. | Cultures are added to the milk to kick-start fermentation in feta cheese production. |
| Rennet | An enzyme used to separate milk into solid curds and liquid whey. | Rennet from cow and goat milk is added to the milk mixture during feta cheese production. |
| Curd | The solid parts of milk that separate from the whey during cheese production. | The curd is cut into 1-kilo blocks during the feta cheese production process. |
| Whey | The liquid part of milk that separates from the curd during cheese production. | The whey is drained from the curd during the feta cheese production process. |
| Aging | The process of storing cheese to allow it to develop its flavor and texture. | Feta cheese is aged for 15 days at 18-20 degrees Celsius to develop its flavor intensity. |
| Regional Variation | Differences in the characteristics of a product due to the region in which it is produced. | The taste of feta varies depending on the region in Greece where it is produced. |
| Cultures | Microorganisms like bacteria or yeast that are added to milk to start the fermentation process. | Cultures are added to the milk to kick-start fermentation in feta cheese production. |
Grammar Focus:
The present simple tense is used to describe general truths, habits, and routines, as seen in the statement “Feta cheese is made from a combination of sheep’s milk and goat’s milk.” The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking. Understanding the distinction between these tenses is crucial for clear communication, especially in technical or procedural contexts.
Please review the grammar quiz questions and answers to reinforce your understanding of the present simple and present continuous tenses:
- Which tense is used in “Feta cheese is made from a combination of sheep’s milk and goat’s milk”? (Answer: Present simple)
- The sentence “The milk is pasteurized” is an example of which tense? (Answer: Present simple)
- Why is the present simple tense used in the production process of feta cheese? (Answer: To describe general truths and routines)
- Which of the following sentences uses the present simple to describe a habitual action? (Answer: Feta cheese ages for 15 days.)
- What is the purpose of using the present simple in “Cultures are added to kick-start fermentation”? (Answer: To outline a standard step in a process)