Keep Feta Cheese Fresh: Tips For Extended Deliciousness

Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. When exposed to air, feta quickly dries out and spoils, so it's important to store it properly. In this article, we'll explore the best methods for preserving feta cheese and keeping it tasting fresh for longer. From creating your own brine solution to experimenting with oil, we'll provide you with the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your feta cheese.

Store feta in a brine solution

Feta is traditionally a white, crumbly cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is cured and stored in brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese. When exposed to air, feta dries out and spoils quickly. However, by storing it in brine, you can keep it fresh for longer.

To make your own brine, start by dissolving 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 cup of water in an airtight container. You can adjust the amount of salt and water depending on the amount of feta you need to store. Just make sure that the cheese is completely submerged in the brine. If you don't have enough brine to cover the cheese, simply make more.

Once the salt is dissolved, submerge the feta cheese in the brine and seal the container. Store it in the refrigerator, and your feta will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. The brine will also give the feta its characteristic salty taste. If your feta is already very salty, you can store it in plain water to maintain its texture without adding extra flavour.

If you want to get creative, you can also add other ingredients to the brine. Some people recommend using oil instead of water, as it is anaerobic and waterless, creating an environment that inhibits bacterial growth. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse your feta with extra flavour.

Use oil to preserve feta

Oil is a great preservative and has been used for food storage for a long time, especially in the Mediterranean region where olive oil is abundant and affordable. Oil-preserved foods can be stored for months without refrigeration, as long as they are kept in a cool, dark place.

Steps to Preserve Feta in Oil

Step 1: Prepare the Feta

Cut the feta into cubes. The size of the cubes can vary, but around 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes are recommended.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil and Spices

You can use extra virgin olive oil or any other oil of your choice. The amount of oil needed will depend on the size of your jar, but make sure you have enough to completely cover the feta. Prepare your favourite spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, oregano, chilli, and peppercorns. You can also add lemon zest, basil, parsley, mint, or coriander to customise the flavour.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Use a sterilised jar and layer the feta, spices, and herbs evenly. You can also add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or raw/roasted garlic cloves.

Step 4: Pour in the Oil

Pour in enough oil to completely submerge the feta and herbs. It's important that everything is covered by the oil, as any part left exposed to the air will spoil.

Step 5: Seal and Store

Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The feta will need to sit for at least a day or two before serving. The oil will solidify in the refrigerator, so let it sit at room temperature for an hour or two before serving to allow the oil to liquify.

Step 6: Enjoy and Refill

Enjoy your delicious marinated feta! Once the cheese is finished, you can use the leftover oil in salad dressings or over pasta. You can also add more feta to the jar to preserve it in the flavoured oil.

Make your own brine solution

Feta is a white crumbly cheese traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is cured and stored in brine, a solution of salt dissolved in water. However, once opened, it can dry out or spoil quickly. To make it last longer, you can make your own brine solution.

Firstly, cut your feta cheese into pieces that will fit into a Tupperware container. Ensure that the container can be closed securely with all the cheese covered by the brine solution. Use multiple containers if necessary.

Next, boil enough water to fill your chosen container(s). The amount of salt you add to the water will depend on the volume of water you have boiled. A good ratio is 2 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, or 1 quart of water to 3 tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt. Stir the solution until the salt has dissolved.

Once the brine solution has boiled, take it off the heat and leave it to cool completely. This is best done overnight. The brine solution can then be placed in the fridge without a problem.

Once the brine solution has cooled, fill your container(s) and add the feta cheese. The cheese must be completely submerged in the brine solution. Seal the container(s) and refrigerate. The feta will now keep for up to 3 weeks. If you don't eat cheese often, change the brine solution every 2 weeks or so.

Store feta in an airtight container

Feta is a crumbly white cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is cured and stored in brine—a combination of water and salt—that preserves and flavours the cheese. When exposed to air, feta quickly dries out and spoils. To keep your feta fresh, it must be stored in an airtight container.

Firstly, cut your feta cheese into pieces that will fit into your chosen airtight container. Make sure there is enough room in the container for the feta to be fully submerged in liquid. If you don't have enough room, consider using multiple containers.

Next, you will need to make your own brine. In a pot, boil enough water to fill your container. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Once it boils, take it off the heat and leave it to cool completely. This is best done before bed so it can cool overnight.

Once the water has cooled, fill your container with the brine. Make sure the feta is completely covered with brine. Seal the container and store it in the fridge. The feta will now keep for up to 3 weeks. The water will last longer than the cheese, so if you don't eat cheese often, change the water every 2 weeks or so.

Change the water every 2 weeks

Feta cheese is usually cured and stored in brine—a combination of water and salt—which acts as a preservative and flavouring agent. The salty punch of brine gives feta its distinctive taste, while also preventing the cheese from drying out and spoiling.

However, if you don't eat feta cheese very often, the water in the brine will need to be changed every two weeks or so. This is because, over time, the water in the brine will evaporate, reducing its volume and causing the cheese to be exposed to air. When feta is exposed to the air, it starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. Therefore, to keep your feta cheese tasting fresh, it is important to change the water in the brine regularly.

To change the water in your feta cheese brine, start by removing the cheese from the old brine and setting it aside. Next, dispose of the old brine and rinse out the container with fresh water. Then, prepare a new brine solution by boiling enough water to fill your container and adding salt. As a general rule, you should use a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part salt. However, if your feta cheese is already very salty, you can reduce the amount of salt in the brine or simply use plain water instead. Stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved, then allow it to cool to room temperature. Once the brine has cooled, carefully place the cheese back into the container, ensuring that it is completely submerged in the brine. Finally, secure the lid on the container and store it in the refrigerator.

By changing the water in your feta cheese brine every two weeks and following the proper storage procedures, you can extend the shelf life of your feta cheese and enjoy its fresh, crumbly texture and tangy flavour for a longer period of time.

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