Castello Traditional Fetta Cheese Cubes in Brine product reviews

We all like fetta, and over the years have become accustomed to opening a new packet over the sink or a handy container so that the inevitable liquid surrounding the cheese does not end up all over the floor. On first opening this pack, I was delighted to discover that an enterprising designer had worked out a way to contain the mess - and to save the brine so the leftover cheese would stay fresh until it was used up. A simple idea but most effective, and one which will predispose me to seek out this brand when I am next buying fetta.

But apart from the user-friendly packaging, the cheese itself is delicious. An important point when it is really about the food rather than the presentation, after all. It is described as being crumbly, but I found it was actually quite smooth and compact; the little cubes held together well. I had expected them to fall apart as block fetta does when you slice it. Maybe the fact that they were pre-cut helped them to keep their shape. As for the taste, it was full and salty with a creamy texture that made it easy to chew - especially for Mr 11, who had been to the dentist that day!

We chose to serve it with cold salads and a little ham. That way we would get the most out of the container; there were six of us to feed, and we all wanted to have some. The children loved helping themselves from the drainer basket, and because of the way it was presented they tended to take their share and no more. Usually, they have to be reminded that there are other people to feed when they help themselves to different items from a smorgasbord. Miss Nine said we should keep the container and basket as she thought it was too cool to just get put out with the recycling.

Not only was the meal an unqualified success, but we all ended up feeling as though we could have eaten more. It would be useful to know if a larger pack is planned for those with bigger families. We would certainly have been back for seconds if there had been any on offer. In the meantime, we are planning to buy at least another two packs: one to put on a pizza, and the other to mix with olives and green beans to make a Greek salad. Both are firm favourites in our family.

And Miss Nine? She is still working out a creative way to re-use the packaging.