Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that can be frozen for at least three months to extend its shelf life. Freezing feta cheese can alter its texture, making it drier and crumbly, and affecting its flavour. However, frozen feta cheese can still be used in cooked dishes such as casseroles, stews, and soups, where texture is less important. To freeze feta cheese crumbles, it is recommended to pre-freeze the crumbles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out and not clumped together, before transferring the frozen pieces into a freezer container.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freezing method | Drain brine, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, and place in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Alternatively, pre-freeze crumbles on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. |
| Texture | Freezing can make feta crumbles drier and crumbly. |
| Flavor | Freezing can cause feta to lose some of its richness, saltiness, and freshness. |
| Use | Frozen feta is best used in cooked dishes, rather than fresh salads, to mask textural changes. |
| Shelf life | Feta can be frozen for at least 3 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum sealing
Freezing feta cheese can alter its texture and taste, making it drier, crumbly, and less salty. If you wish to freeze feta cheese crumbles, it is recommended to vacuum seal the cheese to ensure maximum freshness. Here is a step-by-step guide to vacuum sealing feta cheese crumbles:
Step 1: Prepare the Feta Cheese Crumbles
Start by draining any brine or excess liquid from the feta cheese. You can do this by blotting the cheese with a towel to absorb any moisture. Then, cut the feta into small crumbles or cubes, ensuring they are in the desired size for later use.
Step 2: Pre-Freeze the Crumbles
Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or aluminum foil. Spread the feta cheese crumbles in a single layer on the prepared sheet, leaving some space between them to prevent them from freezing together. Place the sheet in the freezer and leave until the crumbles are frozen solid.
Step 3: Vacuum Seal the Crumbles
Once the crumbles are frozen, it's time to vacuum seal them. Remove the crumbles from the freezer and transfer them into vacuum sealer bags or rolls. Use the vacuum sealer to remove the air from the bags, creating a moisture and oxygen-free environment.
Step 4: Label and Store
Label the vacuum-sealed bags with the name and date. Feta cheese crumbles can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months or longer. When stored properly, vacuum sealing helps maintain the freshness and prolongs the shelf life of feta cheese crumbles.
Tips and Considerations:
- Portion the feta cheese crumbles into amounts that you would typically use for one to three meals. This way, you can thaw smaller portions at a time, reducing waste.
- If you notice a change in saltiness after thawing, you can place the feta cheese crumbles in brine for a couple of hours to restore flavour.
- Vacuum sealing is an effective method to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the feta cheese crumbles during storage.
- Always thaw feta cheese in the refrigerator overnight to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully vacuum seal and freeze feta cheese crumbles, extending their shelf life and preserving their flavour and texture as much as possible.
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Portioning
To portion your feta cheese crumbles, start by spreading the crumbles in a single layer on a cookie sheet or baking sheet. Line the sheet with a silicone mat, aluminium foil, or parchment paper. Ensure that there is some space between the crumbles so they don't freeze into a single large clump. You can also divide them into a couple of groups, with each group containing enough crumbles for a single dish.
Once the crumbles are frozen solid, transfer them into a freezer bag or container. If any crumbles stick together, gently separate them with a spatula. You can also use freezer containers or cookie tins, which can be lined with aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
Label the bag or container with the name and date, if desired. Place the bag or container in the freezer, and you're done! Now you have a portioned supply of feta cheese crumbles that can be easily thawed and used as needed.
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Texture changes
Feta cheese is known for its creamy texture and tangy, salty flavour. Freezing feta cheese can alter its texture and taste, with the changes being more noticeable with block feta compared to crumbled feta.
When feta cheese is frozen, its texture becomes drier, crumblier, and less creamy. This change in texture is due to the freezing process, which can cause the cheese to lose some of its signature richness, saltiness, and moisture. The cheese will also become more fragmented when defrosted, with the smaller pieces making it perfect for dishes like quinoa salad.
The texture change is more noticeable in block feta, which can become significantly crumbly after freezing. To avoid this, it is recommended to cut the block into sizable portions before freezing, as this makes handling, storing, and defrosting more efficient.
To minimize texture changes, it is important to properly prepare the feta cheese before freezing. This includes patting the cheese dry with a clean paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can form crystals when frozen and negatively impact the texture. It is also recommended to freeze feta in portions to avoid thawing too much at once, as multiple freeze-thaw cycles can affect the cheese's texture and flavour.
Overall, while freezing feta cheese may alter its texture, it is still usable in various dishes. The crumblier texture can work well in salads, casseroles, stews, or other cooked dishes where the cheese is melted, effectively masking any textural changes.
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Thawing
When it comes to thawing your frozen feta cheese crumbles, a gentle and gradual approach is best to maintain the cheese's texture and flavour. Here's a guide on how to safely defrost your feta:
The Refrigerator Method:
The preferred method for thawing feta cheese crumbles is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Place the sealed container or freezer bag of feta into the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Small amounts of feta, such as a cup or less, may defrost overnight or within a few hours. Larger amounts may take up to 24 hours to thaw completely. This slow thawing process helps prevent the cheese from becoming too soggy or mushy and allows the flavours to remain intact.
Cold Water Bath:
If you need to thaw your feta more quickly, you can use a cold water bath. Place the sealed container or freezer bag of feta into a larger container or bowl filled with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. The cheese should defrost within a couple of hours, depending on the amount. This method is best for small amounts of feta and when time is a factor.
Microwave Thawing:
Microwave defrosting is not recommended for feta cheese crumbles as it can quickly heat the cheese, causing it to turn oily, soggy, or grainy. However, if you choose to use the microwave, do so very sparingly and in short intervals of 5 to 10 seconds at a low power setting. Check the cheese frequently to ensure it doesn't begin to melt or cook. This method is risky and should only be attempted if you plan to use the feta immediately, as in a hot dish that will be cooked further.
Once Thawed:
After your feta has thawed, it's essential to use it promptly. The cheese will not have the same texture and flavour as fresh feta, so it's best suited for cooked dishes rather than raw consumption. You can add the thawed feta to salads, but be aware that the texture may be softer and less crumbly than expected. Always ensure that the cheese is fully defrosted before use and never refreeze feta cheese crumbles once they have been thawed.
Storing Thawed Feta:
Thawed feta cheese crumbles should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 to 5 days. Keep the cheese in a sealed container, and if it was thawed in a block, break or cut it into portions before storing it to make it easier to use as needed.
By following these guidelines, you can safely defrost your feta cheese crumbles and continue to enjoy this delicious and versatile ingredient in your favourite recipes. Remember that the texture and flavour will be slightly altered, so adjust your expectations and recipes accordingly.
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Uses for thawed feta
Thawed feta cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, although it is recommended for use in cooked dishes rather than fresh salads to mask any textural changes. Here are some ways to use thawed feta cheese:
Salads
Sprinkle thawed feta crumbles on salads to add a salty, tangy flavour. While the flavour remains relatively intact, the change in texture is more noticeable. Therefore, it may not be the best option if you are trying to impress.
Pizzas and Pasta
Use feta crumbles as a topping for pizzas and pasta dishes. If you plan to melt the feta over pasta, you can add it straight from the freezer without defrosting.
Dips and Spreads
Blend thawed feta crumbles with herbs, spices, and olive oil to create dips and spreads.
Omelettes and Frittatas
Add feta crumbles to omelettes and frittatas for a savoury breakfast or brunch option.
Baking
Incorporate feta crumbles into savoury pastries, such as spanakopita or tiropita. Feta can also be fried, drizzled with warmed honey, wrapped in phyllo dough, or simply baked in a high-heated oven until creamy.
Casseroles and Stews
Feta can be added to casseroles or stews where texture is less important.
It is recommended to use thawed feta cheese crumbles within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
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