Drying Feta Cheese: How Long Should You Wait?

Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be tricky to know how long it takes to dry. The drying time depends on the initial moisture content of the cheese and the temperature at which it is stored. Some people recommend drying feta at 55°F for 1-3 days, while others suggest drying it at room temperature for a longer period. It is important to note that warmer temperatures can cause the growth of pathogens, yeast, and molds, so drying feta at a lower temperature may be safer. Once the cheese is dry to the touch, it can be stored in the refrigerator or marinated in oil. Properly dried and stored feta cheese can last for several weeks or even months, but it is important to check for any signs of spoilage before consumption.

Feta in brine can last for up to six months

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in the fridge, but it can be difficult to get through a whole block in one go. So, how do you make the most of your feta?

If you have more cheese than you need, you can store it in an airtight container with a brine made from one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. Be sure that the feta is completely covered by the brine before putting it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a month.

If you're using crumbled feta, you can also store it in brine to make it last longer. Simply make your own brine and be sure to cover the crumbles entirely before refrigerating.

If you don't have brine, feta blocks and crumbles will last for around five to seven days if they are sealed tightly and refrigerated. However, during this time the cheese will slowly dry out and become crumbly, and may grow mould.

Dry feta lasts a week before tasting bitter

Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. The good news is that there are several ways to preserve feta and extend its shelf life.

Dry feta, however, is a different story. Unlike its brine-packed counterpart, which can last for several months when stored correctly, dry feta has a much shorter lifespan. Once the package is opened, dry feta will only last about a week before it starts to taste bitter and becomes inedible.

This is because, when exposed to air, feta cheese begins to dry out and its flavour becomes sharply sour. The drying process also affects the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly. In addition, without the protective brine, dry feta is more susceptible to contamination and the growth of mould.

To extend the lifespan of dry feta, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, even with proper storage, the cheese will only last about a week before it starts to deteriorate in taste and quality.

So, if you're planning to use dry feta in your recipes, it's best to use it within a few days of opening the package. Alternatively, you can try making your own brine solution by dissolving salt in water and submerging the cheese, which will help to preserve it for a few weeks.

Make your own brine with salt and water

Feta cheese is a delicious Greek staple, but it can be tricky to store. If you're looking to make your own brine with salt and water to preserve your feta, here's a detailed guide to help you get started.

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You only need two: water and salt. Specifically, you should use kosher salt or sea salt, as table salt won't have the same effect on the cheese. The amount of salt and water you use will depend on how much feta you're planning to store. A good rule of thumb is to use 2 teaspoons of kosher salt for every cup of water.

Preparing the Brine:

When preparing the brine, it's important to start with room temperature water. If you're having trouble dissolving the salt, try heating half of the water, dissolving the salt in that, and then combining it with the rest of the water, which should be cold. Make sure to never store your feta in warm water.

Storing the Feta:

Once you've prepared your brine, it's time to add the feta. You can store a whole block, half a block, or cut the cheese into cubes before placing it in the brine. Just make sure that all pieces of cheese are fully submerged and covered by the brine. Seal the container and pop it in the fridge. With this method, your feta should stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks. When you're ready to use the cheese, take it out of the brine, give it a quick rinse, and you're good to go!

Tips and Tricks:

• If you're short on brine and need to double or triple the recipe, always adjust the amount of water and salt accordingly.
• While this method is great for preserving feta, it's not the only way. You can also try storing your feta in olive oil, which is a low-sodium alternative.
• Don't forget to label your container with the date so you can keep track of how long your feta has been stored.
• If you're looking for ways to use up leftover feta brine, don't throw it away! It makes a great addition to salad dressings, marinades, and even doughs for an extra salty kick.

Feta can be too salty, so store in plain water to fix

Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is a high-salt solution that acts as a preservative. The salt percentage must be high enough to prevent unwanted microbial growth. However, this can make the cheese too salty for some palates. If you find your feta too salty, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Firstly, you can rinse the cheese with water and allow it to drain. Then, place the feta in a sealed container with plain milk for one to two days. Soaking the cheese in milk will help to draw out some of the excess salt.

Another option is to create a lighter brine solution by mixing around 8 ounces of salt per gallon of water. You can then soak the feta in this solution for a few days, which should help to reduce the saltiness. If you are making your own feta cheese, it is important not to leave the cheese in a saturated brine solution for longer than eight hours. After this, transfer it to a lighter brine for storage.

If you are storing feta cheese, it is best to keep it in its original container, ensuring that the block is completely submerged in brine to avoid contamination. Feta stored in liquid can last for up to six months. On the other hand, dry feta will only last for about a week before developing a bitter taste and becoming inedible. Therefore, it is recommended to package the cheese in liquid or create your own brine by mixing salt and water to extend the shelf life.

Additionally, when removing a portion of the cheese from the brine, use clean utensils such as tongs or a fork to avoid introducing microbes that could cause spoilage. By following these tips, you can enjoy your feta cheese for longer and adjust the saltiness to your taste.

Don't freeze feta, it ruins the texture

Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, adding a tangy and salty flavour to dishes. Freezing feta cheese is possible and can help extend its shelf life, but it is important to note that it can significantly alter the texture and taste. Freezing feta cheese is not recommended if you want to preserve its original texture and flavour.

Feta cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it suitable for freezing. However, freezing can affect the texture and taste, resulting in a crumbly and dry consistency. This change in texture is due to the formation of ice crystals during freezing, which disrupts the cheese's original structure. The larger the feta block, the better it freezes, as smaller pieces tend to become dry and grainy. Crumbled feta should be avoided for freezing as the texture change is more pronounced.

To freeze feta cheese, it is important to properly drain any excess liquid and wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to six months. However, it is not advisable to refreeze feta once it has been thawed, as this will further impact its quality.

When it comes to defrosting, it is crucial to do it slowly. Place the frozen feta in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight. Using feta directly from the freezer in salads or other dishes may result in a change in texture, so it is best to thaw it completely before use. While frozen feta can be used in cooked dishes, it may not be suitable for fresh applications like salads due to the change in texture and taste.

In conclusion, while freezing feta cheese is possible, it is important to understand that it will not have the same texture and taste as fresh feta. Freezing can extend the shelf life of feta, but it is crucial to follow proper storage and thawing techniques to minimise the impact on its texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions