Bushra Griffith
Feta is a popular Greek cheese with a high salt content, traditionally made from sheep's milk and often cured and stored in brine. When exposed to air, feta dries out and becomes sour, so it's important to store it correctly in the fridge to keep it fresh. But how do you do that?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to store feta cheese | Store in a brine solution or milk bath in an airtight container in the fridge |
| Brine solution | 1 quart of water with 3 tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt |
| 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt | |
| 1 gallon of water with 1 pound of kosher salt | |
| 4 parts water with 1 part salt | |
| Milk bath | Reduces saltiness and keeps cheese moist and mild in flavor |
| Other methods | Soak in oil with herbs, such as rosemary or thyme |
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What You'll Learn
How to make brine
Feta cheese is typically packaged in brine, a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it a salty punch. If you accidentally toss out the liquid or buy feta cheese that doesn't come in brine, you can easily make your own brine solution for storage.
To make brine, you will need water and salt. The general recommendation is a 10-15% salt brine, but you can adjust the salinity to your taste. For a less salty brine, one source recommends a ratio of 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of water. Another source recommends 2 teaspoons of kosher salt for every 2 cups of water. For a stronger brine, you can use a ratio of 3 tablespoons of kosher salt to 1 quart of water, or 1 pound of kosher salt in 1 gallon of water.
Once you have made the brine, completely submerge the feta cheese in the solution and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. With this method, your feta cheese should last for quite a while, with some sources stating that it can be preserved for up to three months.
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Storing feta in milk
Storing feta cheese in the fridge
Feta cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese that can be made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk. It is best when eaten fresh, so always check the date. If you don't intend to consume it immediately, you can store feta cheese in a brine solution or a milk bath in the refrigerator.
A milk bath will result in a creamier, softer taste and will reduce the saltiness of the feta cheese. It will also help keep the cheese moist and mild in flavour. If you wish to reduce the saltiness, soak what you are going to use immediately in milk for a couple of hours before use. To store feta cheese in a milk bath, place the cheese in an airtight container and cover it completely with milk. Cover the container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that feta cheese stored in a milk bath will not last as long as when stored in brine. Feta cheese turns very quickly, so it must be eaten as soon as possible. You will be lucky to get a maximum of two weeks when storing feta in milk.
Other ways to store feta cheese
Feta cheese can also be stored in a brine solution, which will add depth to the cheese and retain its pleasant saltiness. To make brine, mix 1 pound of kosher salt with 1 gallon of water. Place the feta into an airtight container and cover it with the brine. Cover the container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored in brine, feta cheese will last up to three months.
Another option for storing feta cheese is to cover it with olive oil, which can also add some flavour to the cheese. You can also add fresh herbs, spices, or peppercorns to the olive oil for extra flavour. Feta cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, regardless of the storage method used.
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Feta storage containers
Feta cheese is typically stored in a brine solution—a combination of water and salt. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese, preventing it from drying out and developing a sharp sourness. If you've accidentally thrown out the brine or purchased feta that didn't come in brine, you'll need to make your own.
To make brine, combine one gallon of water with one pound of kosher salt. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. Allow it to cool, then pour it into an airtight container, ensuring the feta is fully submerged. This method will keep your feta fresh for up to three months.
If you'd like to reduce the saltiness of your feta, you can store it in a milk bath instead. This will make the cheese softer and creamier, but it won't last as long—about two weeks maximum. Simply pour milk over the feta in an airtight container, then store it in the fridge.
There are also commercially available feta storage containers, such as the MEPAL MODULA Cheese Box. This product is advertised as being airtight and leakproof, with a stylish design that looks good on your kitchen counter.
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How long does feta last?
Feta cheese can last for varying durations depending on how it is stored. Feta cheese that is packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. It is important to ensure that the cheese block is completely submerged in brine and that no contamination occurs.
If the feta cheese is removed from the brine, it should be treated as perishable food. Feta cheese stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator without brine can last for about 10 days. However, some sources suggest that feta cheese can be consumed even after being stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 9 months. It is recommended to check for mold, off scents, or changes in taste and texture.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be stored in a milk bath or brine solution. A milk bath involves soaking the cheese in milk to reduce its saltiness and maintain moisture. This method can preserve the cheese for about two weeks but not as long as three months. On the other hand, creating a brine solution by mixing water and salt can preserve feta cheese for up to three months.
Additionally, oil can be used as an alternative storage method for feta cheese. Olive oil or a combination of olive oil and canola oil can be infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic to marinate the cheese and prolong its freshness.
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Other ways to store feta
Feta is a soft, white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk and cured and stored in brine. It is highly nutritious, but its high salt content means that it is best consumed in moderation.
If you don't want to store your feta in brine, there are a few other options to keep it fresh.
Milk Bath
Feta can be stored in a milk bath, which will result in a creamier, softer texture and a milder flavour. To do this, place the cheese in an airtight container and cover it with milk. It can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Water
If you want to reduce the saltiness of your feta, you can store it in plain water. This will help to keep the cheese moist without adding extra flavour. The water will need to be changed every two weeks or so.
Oil
Oil is another option for storing feta. This method can add flavour to the cheese, and the oil can then be used for cooking or dressing salads.
Storing feta correctly will ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for longer, so you can make the most of this versatile cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese should be stored in a brine solution in the fridge.
Brine is a combination of water and salt.
The ratio of water to salt in brine varies depending on the source. One source recommends 1 quart of water with 3 tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt. Another source recommends 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Feta cheese stored in brine will last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
