Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is a solution of salt and water, resulting in a salty flavor. While salt acts as a preservative, it can be challenging to eat feta cheese if it is too salty. There are several ways to reduce the saltiness of feta cheese, such as rinsing the cheese with water and then soaking it in milk for 1-2 days. Another option is to use the salty feta in dishes with other ingredients that can balance the saltiness, such as salads or starch-based recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for saltiness | Feta is traditionally packed in brine, which is a high-salt solution acting as a preservative. |
| Reducing saltiness | Rinse feta with water, let it drain, then place in a sealed container with milk for 1-2 days. |
| Reducing saltiness (alternative method) | Soak in a less salty brine solution. |
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What You'll Learn
Rinse feta with water and allow it to drain
If your feta cheese has turned out too salty, there are a few methods you can try to reduce its salt content. Firstly, thoroughly rinse the desired amount of feta with water and allow the cheese to drain. This initial step helps to wash away excess salt from the surface of the feta. Next, place the feta into a container that is sufficiently large, aiming for a container size that is about 25% larger than the cheese to allow for additional liquid.
Once you have rinsed the feta and prepared an appropriately sized container, it's time to address the remaining salt content within the cheese. One effective method is to submerge the feta in milk. Add fresh milk to the container until the cheese is completely covered, then seal the container and leave it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. During this time, the milk will draw out some of the salt from the feta, reducing its overall saltiness.
If, after this process, the feta still tastes too salty for your preference, there are a couple of additional steps you can take. Firstly, pour out the milk and refill the container with fresh milk. Allow the feta to soak in this new milk bath for another 1-2 days. This extended soaking time will further reduce the salt content. Additionally, you can use overly salty feta in dishes or recipes where other ingredients can balance the saltiness. For example, adding salty feta to a crisp, fresh salad or starch dishes without additional salt can help balance the flavours.
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Place feta in a sealed container with milk for 1-2 days
If your feta cheese has turned out too salty, there is a simple solution: place it in a sealed container with milk for 1-2 days.
First, rinse the feta under water and allow it to drain. Then, place the feta in a container with 25% more volume than the cheese to allow for liquid. Cover the cheese with fresh milk, seal the container, and leave it for 1-2 days. The milk will draw out some of the salt from the feta.
If, after testing the feta, it is still too salty, pour out the milk and refill the container with fresh milk. Leave the feta for another 1-2 days before testing again.
This method is a great way to reduce the saltiness of feta cheese and make it more palatable, especially if you plan to use it in dishes where the saltiness may be overwhelming.
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Soak feta in a lighter brine
Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is why it tends to be so salty. The salt acts as a preservative, preventing unwanted microbial growth. If you've made your own feta and it's too salty, it could be because you've left it in the brine for too long.
To reduce the saltiness of your feta, try soaking it in a lighter brine. First, remove the cheese from the brine and rinse it off. Allow the cheese to drain and then place it in a sealed container with a lighter brine. You can make a lighter brine by dissolving less salt in water—about 8oz of salt per gallon of water. Alternatively, you can try soaking the feta in milk for a day or so.
If you're buying feta, look for one packed in brine, as this will make a world of difference to the texture, taste, and shelf life of the cheese. However, if you prefer your feta less salty, you can rinse it thoroughly before consumption or soak it in water to draw out some of the salt.
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Use salty feta in dishes with other ingredients to balance the salt
Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is why it has such a high salt content. The salt acts as a preservative, preventing unwanted microbial growth. If your feta is too salty, there are a few tricks you can try to balance the saltiness. Firstly, thoroughly rinse the feta with water to remove any excess salt from the surface. Allow the cheese to drain, and then place it in a sealed container with milk for 1-2 days. This will help to draw out some of the salt and give you a milder-tasting cheese.
Another option is to use the salty feta in dishes with other ingredients to balance the salt. For example, feta is commonly used in Greek salads, which typically include other ingredients like watermelon, mint, and garden greens. The freshness of these ingredients will help to counteract the saltiness of the feta. You can also try sprinkling feta over a bed of leafy greens, or even using it as a topping for dishes like pizza or pasta, where the other flavours will help to balance the salt.
If you're looking to incorporate feta into a cooked dish, try a recipe like spanakopita, which combines feta with spinach, phyllo pastry, and other ingredients. The spinach will help to balance the saltiness of the feta, while the pastry adds a crunchy texture. Another option is to use feta as a stuffing for chicken or other meats; the juices from the meat will help to balance the salt, and the cheese will add a creamy texture.
Finally, don't forget that the brine from your feta can be used to add flavour to other dishes. Try using it in place of salt in recipes like soups, stews, or even as a marinade for meats. By incorporating the brine, you can make use of every part of your feta purchase and add a unique flavour to your dishes.
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Buy low-salt feta
Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is why it has such a high salt content. The salt acts as a preservative, preventing unwanted microbial growth. If you are looking to reduce your salt intake, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try rinsing off the feta, allowing it to drain, and then placing it in a sealed container with milk for a day or two. This will help to reduce the saltiness. You can also look for low-salt feta options at specialty grocery stores or buy feta that is not packed in brine.
When buying low-salt feta, it is important to read the ingredient labels carefully. While many manufacturers offer reduced-sodium cheeses, they sometimes use artificial ingredients to make up for the lack of salty flavor. Opt for cheeses that are naturally lower in sodium, such as ricotta, cottage cheese (no-salt-added varieties), or bagels and cream cheese. You can also try making your own feta cheese at home, using a lower percentage brine solution (such as 6%) and adding calcium chloride and citric acid to prevent the cheese from becoming slimy or too soft.
If you are looking for a milder flavor, you may want to try a Danish Feta, which is less salty than the traditional Greek Feta. When buying feta, look for options that are not packed in brine or are stored in a lighter brine solution. This will help to reduce the overall salt content of the cheese. You can also try soaking your feta in a less salty brine or milk solution to help draw out some of the saltiness.
Remember, high-sodium cheeses are generally fine in moderation, but if you are on a low-sodium diet, it is important to be mindful of your intake. Feta cheese is naturally quite salty due to its production and storage methods, so if you are a fan of this particular cheese, consider the alternatives mentioned above or explore different varieties to find one that suits your taste and dietary needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Rinse the feta cheese under water and then let it drain. Put it in a container with 25% more room for liquid. Cover the cheese with milk and leave it in the fridge for 1-2 days. The milk will draw out some of the salt.
Test a small piece of the feta cheese. If it is still too salty, pour out the milk, refill the container with milk, and leave the cheese for another 1-2 days.
You can use the feta in recipes where other ingredients balance the salt, such as in a fresh salad or starch dishes.
You can use a lighter brine solution instead of milk to soak the feta cheese.
Feta cheese should be left in brine for 2-3 hours per inch of cheese thickness.
