Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes, and while it is often crumbled over food, it can also be purchased in block form. Cutting feta cheese into cubes can be tricky due to its soft and crumbly texture. In this article, we will discuss the best techniques for cutting feta cheese into cubes, including the use of a knife, a plastic bag, or simply crumbling it with your hands or a fork. We will also provide tips on how to store your cubed feta cheese to maintain its freshness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting technique | Cut the feta cheese into cubes or crumble it with a knife. |
| Running under water | Run the feta under cold water for 10-20 seconds to remove brine and firm up the cheese. |
| Crumbling technique | Use a fork or your hands to break up the feta into small pieces without mashing it. |
| Storage | Store crumbled feta in a plastic bag or a container with salty brine to make it last longer. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Crumble feta cheese with hands or a fork
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, and while it is well-known for being crumbled over food, it can be purchased in blocks. Crumbling feta cheese with your hands or a fork is a simple process.
First, cut off the amount of cheese you need with a knife. Then, run the feta under cold water for 10 to 20 seconds. This step will wash away any brine and give the cheese a firmer texture. You can also use a plastic bag to contain the cheese while running it under water, which will make it easier to handle.
Now, you can begin to crumble the cheese. Use your hands or a fork to break the feta into small pieces. Be careful not to mash the cheese, as you want to create a crumbly texture. Keep going until you have the desired amount of crumbled feta.
If you're using the feta as a topping for salads, pasta, or pizza, it's now ready to be added to your dish. However, if you're not planning on eating the crumbled cheese right away, there are a few storage options to keep it fresh. You can refrigerate the crumbled cheese in an airtight container or bag, removing as much air as possible to maintain freshness. Don't forget to label the container with the date so you know how fresh it is. Another option is to store the crumbled feta in a salty brine, which will help extend its shelf life.
Feta and Salmon: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Rinse feta under cold water to firm it up
Rinsing feta cheese under cold water is a great way to firm it up before cutting it into cubes. Feta cheese is softer than most other cheeses, so it can be tricky to cut into neat cubes. By rinsing it under cold water, you can temporarily firm up the cheese, making it easier to handle and cut. This technique is especially useful if you're working with a block of feta cheese that has been stored in brine.
To do this, simply hold the block of feta under cold running water for a few seconds on each side. You don't need to rinse it for too long, as you're not trying to wash off any brine or salt. The cold water will help to temporarily firm up the cheese, making it easier to cut.
It's important to note that this technique is just to help with the cutting process and is not a substitute for proper storage. If you're planning to store feta cheese for an extended period, it's best to follow the traditional method of using a brine solution, which will keep the cheese firm and preserve its tangy flavor. This involves dissolving kosher salt or sea salt in water—the water should be at room temperature, not warm.
Additionally, when cutting feta into cubes, it's recommended to use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the cheese. You can also try cutting the cheese into thin slices first and then stacking and cutting those slices into cubes. This approach can help you achieve more uniform cubes.
By combining the technique of rinsing feta under cold water with careful cutting techniques, you'll be able to cut feta cheese into cubes more easily and efficiently.
Feta Cheese and Fiber: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Use a knife to cut off the desired amount
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, and while it is often crumbled over food, it can also be purchased in blocks. Due to its softer texture compared to other cheeses, feta requires a specific technique when cutting. Here is a detailed guide on using a knife to cut off the desired amount of feta cheese into cubes:
Start by determining the amount of feta cheese you need for your recipe. Feta is usually sold in blocks, so you will need to cut off the desired amount from the block. Hold the block of feta cheese firmly in one hand, and use a sharp knife in the other hand to cut off the amount you need. Make sure the knife is sharp enough to slice through the cheese without crushing it. A smooth, sharp blade will help you achieve clean cuts.
Now, decide on the size of cubes you want. For smaller cubes, cut the block of feta lengthwise into thin slabs. You can then cut these slabs into long, thin strips, and finally, cut the strips into small cubes. For larger cubes, cut the block of feta into thicker slabs, and then cut these slabs into cubes. Rinse the feta cheese briefly under cold water to remove any brine and to firm it up, which will make it easier to cut.
When cutting the cheese, use slow, gentle movements to avoid crumbling. Feta is softer than most cheeses, so it requires a delicate touch. If your feta cheese does start to crumble, you can still use it! Crumbled feta is excellent as a salad topping or mixed into other dishes. Alternatively, you can try running the cheese under cold water to firm it up and make it easier to cut.
Finally, once you have cut the desired amount of feta into cubes, you can use them in your recipe or store them for later use. Feta cheese is versatile and can be added to various dishes, providing a delicious salty flavour. Remember to handle it with care due to its softer texture compared to other cheeses. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty ingredient!
Sweet Potato and Feta: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Store in a bag, removing air to keep it fresh
Once you have cut your feta cheese into cubes, it's important to store them correctly to maintain freshness. One way to do this is to use a storage bag. Place the cubed feta into a plastic bag and push out any air that's stuck inside. Removing the air is important because it helps to keep the cheese fresh for longer. Mark the current date on the bag so you know when it was stored. This method is best if you plan on eating the cheese soon.
Alternatively, you can store your cubed feta in a container and cover it with brine, which will help it last longer. Brine is a solution of water and salt, and feta is often stored in brine to keep it fresh. If you don't have brine, you can use salty water as a substitute.
If you want to crumble your feta cheese, cut off the desired amount with a knife and run it under cold water for 10-20 seconds. This will wash away any brine and firm up the cheese, making it easier to crumble. Use a fork or your hands to break the cheese into small pieces. You can then store the crumbled cheese in a bag, removing as much air as possible to keep it fresh, or in brine if you want it to last longer.
Storing feta cheese in an airtight container or sealed bag helps to maintain its freshness by limiting exposure to oxygen, which can cause the cheese to dry out or become mouldy. Removing the air also helps to prevent bacteria from growing, keeping your feta cheese tasty and safe to eat.
Storing Feta Cheese: Best Practices for Longevity
You may want to see also
Softer than most cheeses, feta is easy to slice
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, and while it is often crumbled over food, it can also be purchased in blocks. Due to its softer texture compared to other cheeses, feta is easy to slice and cube. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut feta cheese into cubes:
- Start with a block of feta cheese: Feta cheese is available in blocks, usually packed in brine. You can purchase it from most grocery stores or cheese shops.
- Drain the brine: Before cutting, ensure you drain the brine thoroughly. You can gently squeeze the block of feta to remove excess liquid.
- Cut the feta into slices: Using a sharp knife, cut the block of feta into thin slices. The thickness of the slices will determine the size of your cubes, so adjust according to your desired cube size.
- Stack the slices: Carefully stack the slices on top of each other to create a compact pile.
- Cut the slices into sticks: Using your knife, cut the stacked slices into sticks of uniform width. Again, the width of the sticks will determine the size of your cubes, so cut accordingly.
- Cut the sticks into cubes: Now, simply cut the sticks into small cubes. Gently separate the cubes with your knife or a spatula.
It is important to work quickly as feta cheese tends to soften at room temperature. If you're concerned about crumbling, you can chill the feta in the refrigerator before cutting to firm it up. Additionally, rinsing the feta under cold water for a few seconds before slicing can also help reduce crumbling.
With these simple steps, you'll have perfectly cubed feta cheese ready to use in your favourite recipes! Remember, feta is softer than most cheeses, making it easy to slice and cube with minimal effort.
Feta Cheese and Italian Dressing: A Perfect Match?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is softer than most other cheeses, but you can cut it into cubes by first cutting off the amount you want to cube with a knife. Then, run the feta under cold water for 10-20 seconds to remove any brine and make the cheese firmer. Finally, use a fork or your hands to break the cheese into cubes.
Feta cheese is well-known for being crumbled and is softer than most cheeses, so it is normal for it to crumble. To reduce crumbling, try running the feta under cold water to make it firmer before cutting it into cubes.
Aside from running the feta under cold water to make it firmer, you can also try storing it in a salty brine to make it last longer.
You can add feta cubes to a variety of dishes, such as salads, pasta, or pizza.
