Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk, but it can also be made from a mixture of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. It is a staple in many kitchens and is commonly used in salads, roasted vegetable sides, pizzas, and flatbreads. Due to its crumbly texture, feta cheese can become dry very quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator. To prevent this, it is recommended to store feta cheese in brine (a solution of water and salt) or salted milk. Storing feta cheese in brine can extend its shelf life by several weeks, while freezing is another option to further extend its shelf life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Feta cheese should be stored in a container in the refrigerator. |
| Packaging | Feta cheese should be covered in brine (a solution of water and salt) or olive oil. |
| Shelf life | Feta cheese covered in brine will last for about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Feta cheese covered in olive oil will last for about 4 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Brine preparation | To make brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water at room temperature. |
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Store in brine
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's milk, or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a crumbly texture. Due to its texture, feta can become dry very quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator.
Storing feta in brine is an effective way to prevent the cheese from drying out and spoiling. Brine is a solution of water and salt, and it is the method cheese makers use to store feta. The brine keeps the feta cheese salty and prevents it from spoiling.
To make your own brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water at room temperature. Cut the leftover feta cheese into cubes and place them in the brine, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered. If you don't have enough brine, make more. Seal the container and refrigerate it. The feta will stay fresh in the brine for 3 to 4 weeks. If you need to store the feta for longer, you can freeze it.
It is important to note that when you are ready to use the feta, take the cubes out of the brine, rinse them under water, and then use them.
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Use a damp paper towel
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. One way to keep feta cheese from spoiling is to use a damp paper towel. This method can help keep the cheese fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Firstly, you'll need to dampen a paper towel. It's important not to make it too wet, so gently moistening it with a small amount of water is best. You don't want the cheese to become soggy or waterlogged, as this can ruin its texture and taste. A light, damp paper towel will do the job of keeping the feta moist without adding too much extra moisture.
Next, you'll want to wrap the feta cheese in the damp paper towel. Ensure that the cheese is fully covered, with no parts exposed to the air. The damp paper towel acts as a barrier, preventing the cheese from drying out and helping to maintain its soft texture.
Once the feta is wrapped, place it in an airtight container. This step is crucial, as it further protects the cheese from the drying effects of air exposure. The container also helps to keep the feta cheese's flavour intact, preventing it from absorbing any unwanted flavours from other foods in the fridge.
Finally, store the feta cheese in the refrigerator. The cool temperature of the fridge, combined with the damp paper towel and airtight container, will effectively slow down the drying process and keep your feta cheese fresh and tasty for several days.
Using a damp paper towel is a simple and effective way to preserve feta cheese's quality and extend its shelf life. By following these steps, you can enjoy your feta cheese for longer without sacrificing taste or texture.
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Store in olive oil
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk, but it can also be made from a mixture of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. It is a crumbly cheese that can become dry very quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator.
One way to store feta cheese is to use olive oil. This method does the best job of protecting the cheese from air, sealing in moisture, and discouraging the proliferation of oxygen-dependent bacteria, which can cause off-flavours. To store feta cheese in olive oil, follow these steps:
- Put the cheese in the corner of a small zip-lock bag.
- Pour in just enough olive oil to come up the sides of the bag.
- Place the bag in a cup and press down on the cheese to force the excess oil over the top.
- Store the cup in the refrigerator.
Feta cheese stored in olive oil can last for up to four weeks. It is important to note that this method uses a minimal amount of olive oil, and the cheese is not completely submerged in the oil. If you prefer to completely submerge the cheese in olive oil, you may need to use a larger quantity of oil and a different container, such as a jar or airtight container.
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Refrigerate
Feta cheese is a soft, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk, but it can also be made from a mixture of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. It is a staple in many kitchens and is used in a variety of dishes, from salads to roasted vegetable sides.
When it comes to refrigerating feta cheese, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to prevent it from spoiling and to extend its shelf life. Firstly, it is essential to understand that feta cheese has a crumbly texture and can dry out quickly when exposed to air, even when stored in the refrigerator. To prevent this, feta cheese is often packaged and sold in brine, a solution of water and salt, which helps preserve the cheese and maintain its salty flavour.
If you have purchased feta cheese in brine, it is important to keep it refrigerated at all times. An unopened package of feta cheese in brine can last for several months in the refrigerator, but always check the expiration date before consuming it. Once the package is opened, the cheese will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator, as long as it remains covered in brine. If you notice that the brine level is low, you can easily make your own brine by dissolving 2 teaspoons of kosher salt or sea salt in 1 cup of water at room temperature. It is important to avoid using table salt as it will not keep the cheese firm. Additionally, make sure that the cheese is completely covered by the brine, and seal the container.
If you have purchased feta cheese without brine or prefer not to use brine, there are alternative methods to refrigerate the cheese. One option is to wrap the cheese with a dampened paper towel and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cheese moist and fresh for 3 to 4 days. Another option is to store the feta cheese in olive oil, which can effectively seal in moisture and inhibit the growth of bacteria. To do this, place the cheese in a small zipper-lock bag, pour in enough olive oil to cover the cheese, and seal the bag. Stored this way, feta cheese can last for up to four weeks in the refrigerator.
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Freeze
Feta cheese is not a candidate for freezing, and it does not freeze well. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your feta cheese and freezing is your only option, you can freeze feta cheese for at least 3 months. It is recommended to freeze crumbled feta as it is easier to thaw, but it is also possible to freeze feta in block form.
Before freezing, make sure your feta is fresh and place it in an airtight container. If you are freezing crumbled feta, it is recommended to pre-freeze the crumbles on a baking sheet or cookie sheet to prevent them from freezing together. Once the crumbles are frozen, transfer them to a freezer container or a ziplock bag. If you are freezing a block of feta, you can skip the pre-freezing step and place the block directly into a freezer container or bag. Make sure to push out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
After freezing and thawing, feta becomes crumblier and loses some of its signature richness, saltiness, and moisture. It may not be as good as fresh feta, and it may not be suitable for certain dishes such as appetizers with crackers. However, frozen and thawed feta can still be used in cooked dishes such as pasta, spanakopita, quiche, pizza, or omelets.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened package of feta lasts for several months in the refrigerator. Once opened, feta cheese in brine will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.
Make sure the feta is completely covered in brine and seal the container. Store it in the refrigerator.
Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt or sea salt, stirring until the salt dissolves.
Wrapping feta with a dampened paper towel and then keeping it in a container can keep it fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Another option is to store it in olive oil.
