Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salads to grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a Greek aged cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. When it comes to storing feta cheese, there is a ongoing discussion on whether to drain the brine or not. Brine, the liquid that feta cheese is often packaged in, is a combination of water and salt that helps to preserve the cheese and maintain its salty flavour. Some people choose to drain the brine and create their own brine solution by mixing salt and water, while others reuse the brine to store their feta cheese, claiming that it lasts longer this way. The decision to drain the brine or not depends on personal preference and the desired level of saltiness in the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you drain the brine from feta cheese? | No, the brine helps to preserve the cheese and maintain its flavour. |
| How to store leftover feta cheese | Store in an airtight container with enough brine to cover the cheese completely. |
| How to make your own brine | Combine 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt with 1-2 cups of water. |
| How long does feta cheese last in brine? | 3-4 weeks |
| Alternative storage methods | Feta cheese can also be stored in olive oil or water. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta in brine lasts longer
Feta cheese is a Greek staple that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, toppings, dips, and more. However, feta cheese can quickly dry out and turn sour when exposed to air. This is where the brine comes in.
Brine, a combination of water and salt, is used to preserve feta cheese and extend its shelf life. Feta cheese that is stored in brine can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, whereas feta cheese that is not stored in brine can dry out and become sour within a few days. The salt in the brine inhibits bacterial growth, keeping the cheese fresh and flavorful.
In addition to preserving the cheese, brine also enhances the flavor of feta cheese by giving it a salty punch. This salty liquid can also be used as an ingredient in its own right, adding flavor to dishes such as salads, marinades, and dressings. Some people even drink it straight from the container!
If you buy feta cheese that does not come in brine, you can make your own brine at home by dissolving kosher salt in water. It is important to use kosher salt as table salt does not have the same effect. You can also adjust the salinity of your feta by storing it in plain water, which will draw out some of the salt from the cheese. However, this method may not preserve the cheese as effectively as brine.
Overall, storing feta cheese in brine is the best way to keep it fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time. So, the next time you buy feta cheese, don't drain the brine—embrace it!
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Brine can be reused
Feta cheese is often sold in brine, a solution of water and salt, which helps to preserve it. The brine can be reused in several ways. Firstly, it can be used to preserve feta cheese that was not originally sold in brine. This can be done by submerging the cheese in the brine and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
Secondly, the brine can be used as a flavouring agent in cooking. It can be added to dishes such as salads, marinades, sauces, dressings, or any dish that incorporates feta cheese to add a salty taste. It can also be used to brine poultry or vegetables before grilling or roasting. For example, leftover feta brine can be used to brine chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks by submerging them in the brine for a couple of hours before cooking.
Thirdly, the brine can be used to make tofu more crispy. This can be done by cubing the tofu and leaving it to "pickle" in the brine, or by pressing out the liquid and grilling the tofu. Finally, the brine can be reused to make grains or legumes more flavourful. It is recommended to start by substituting 1/4 of the cooking liquid with feta brine and then adjusting the ratio to taste.
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Make your own brine
If you want to make your own brine at home, there are a few methods you can try. The simplest method involves mixing salt and water. The general ratio is 2 teaspoons of salt per cup of water, although some sources recommend dissolving enough salt in cold water to float a chicken egg. You can also add 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt to 2 cups of water with 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of calcium chloride for a lighter brine. This will give your feta cheese a longer shelf life without making it too salty.
Another option is to make a brine using leftover whey from strained yoghurt. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of salt to a quart of whey. This method improves the flavour of feta cheese considerably, and the brine can be reused multiple times.
If you prefer your feta less salty, you can put it in water instead of saltwater. This will draw out some of the salt from the cheese, resulting in a more moderate salinity. However, this method may not effectively inhibit bacterial growth, and the cheese may become rubbery or disintegrate over time.
When storing your feta cheese in brine, it is important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool place. The brine should completely cover the cheese block. You can also pre-cut the cheese into smaller rectangular pieces to make it easier to remove from the brine with a fork.
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Brine is a flavouring agent
Feta cheese is a Greek staple made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It can be soft or hard, and is used in salads, toppings, and pitas.
Feta cheese is often sold in sealed packages with a small amount of brine, a solution of water and salt, that helps preserve the cheese. The brine also adds a salty punch to the cheese, enhancing its flavour. When feta is exposed to air, it starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. Therefore, it is recommended to store leftover feta in brine to maintain its texture and taste.
The brine can be easily made at home by dissolving kosher salt in water. The ratio is typically two teaspoons of salt per cup of water, or enough salt to float a chicken egg, and the water should be at room temperature. The brine is then poured over the feta cheese, ensuring it is completely submerged. This homemade brine can be used to store feta cheese for up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
The brine itself is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways. It can be used to brine poultry, make sauces and dressings, or add a salty seasoning to dishes. Some people even enjoy drinking it straight from the container! When using feta brine in cooking, it can be substituted for up to half of the cooking liquid, intensifying the flavour of the dish.
In summary, brine is not only a preservative for feta cheese but also a flavouring agent that enhances the taste of the cheese and can be used to elevate other dishes as well.
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Brine keeps feta firm
Feta cheese is a Greek staple made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is often sold in sealed packages with very little brine, a solution of water and salt.
Feta cheese can range from soft to hard, and its texture and taste can be preserved by storing it in brine. The brine keeps the feta firm, and it is recommended to store a whole or half block of feta cheese in brine. The cheese cubes can be taken out of the container as needed. The brine also adds a salty punch to the feta, enhancing its flavour.
If you want to make your own brine, you can combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. It is important to use kosher salt as table salt does not have the same effect. The water should be at room temperature, and if it is difficult to dissolve the salt, you can heat half of the water, dissolve the salt, and then combine it with cold water. The leftover brine can be reused for a very long time if stored at cool temperatures.
Feta cheese can be stored in the brine for up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. This helps to extend the shelf life of the cheese, preventing it from drying out and losing flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should store feta cheese in its brine to keep it flavourful and fresh.
Brine is a combination of water and salt.
Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves.
Leftover brine can be used to flavour dishes such as salads, marinades, tofu, and vegetables.
If you prefer your feta less salty, you can store it in water instead of brine. This will reduce the saltiness of the cheese.
