Kamil Perry
Feta is a soft, crumbly, and tangy Greek cheese that can dry out quickly if not stored properly. To keep feta moist and prolong its shelf life, it is recommended to store it in a brine solution (a combination of water and salt) or a milk bath. Storing feta in brine helps maintain its salty flavour and prevents it from drying out. Alternatively, a milk bath can be used to reduce the saltiness of the cheese and keep it moist. For those seeking a more flavourful option, marinating feta in olive oil and herbs is another effective way to preserve the cheese while enhancing its taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Brine (a solution of water and salt), salted milk, olive oil, or a refrigerator |
| Container | Airtight container or tight-lid jar |
| Preservation | Prevent air exposure, maintain moisture content, and avoid spoilage |
| Flavour | Herbs, spices, and oregano |
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What You'll Learn
Store in brine
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk and is cured and stored in brine—a combination of water and salt. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese, giving it a salty punch.
If your feta comes packaged in brine, make sure the cheese is always completely submerged. You can use a ferment weight to keep it under the brine, or pack it in firmly so that no cheese is sticking out. When you notice the brine level getting low, simply add more brine to cover the cheese.
If your feta does not come packaged in brine, or if you accidentally toss out the brine, you can easily make your own. Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. Submerge the cheese in the brine, ensuring it is completely covered. If you don't have enough brine, make more. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Your feta will stay fresh for up to 3–4 weeks.
If your feta is already very salty, you can store it in plain water to preserve its texture without adding extra flavour.
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Make your own brine
Feta cheese is a soft, brined, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk. It can be made using minimal ingredients and equipment and can be aged in a regular refrigerator.
Feta has a crumbly texture and can become dry very quickly, even when stored in the refrigerator. To keep it moist, it's best to store it in brine—a solution of water and salt. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese.
You can make your own brine by combining 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can then store the feta in the brine, ensuring the cheese is completely covered. This will keep the cheese moist and flavourful.
If you want to reduce the saltiness of the feta, you can create a salted milk bath by soaking the cheese in milk for a few hours before use. This will also help keep the cheese moist and mild in flavour. However, milk may not preserve the cheese for as long as brine, so it's important to monitor the cheese's condition regularly.
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Use a milk bath
So, you've got a block of feta and you want to keep it nice and moist? A milk bath is an excellent way to go about it. This method is particularly useful if you plan to store the cheese for a more extended period or if you live in a drier climate. Here's what you need to do:
Start by choosing a container that is slightly larger than your block of feta. Glass or ceramic containers are ideal as they are non-reactive and won't affect the cheese's flavor. Place your block of feta into the container. You want to ensure that the cheese is as submerged as possible, so choose a container with walls that come up fairly high. Now, pour in enough milk to completely cover the cheese. You can use any percentage of milk fat you have available, but whole milk tends to work best as it has a higher fat content, which will help keep the cheese moist and rich.
Ensure that the cheese is entirely coated and submerged, giving it a gentle stir or press with a spoon if needed. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Store it in the refrigerator, where the milk will help keep the cheese moist and prevent it from drying out. Change the milk every few days, or at the very least, once a week. This will ensure that the milk remains fresh and that your cheese stays bathed in a moist, nourishing environment.
Using a milk bath is a simple and effective way to keep your feta cheese in prime condition. It adds moisture and helps maintain the cheese's creamy texture and tangy flavor. This method is also a great way to revive slightly dried-out cheese, bringing it back to life.
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Submerge in olive oil
Feta cheese is a great ingredient to have on hand, but it can quickly dry out and turn sour when exposed to air. One effective way to keep it moist and prolong its life is to submerge it in olive oil. This method is commonly practised in Mediterranean countries to preserve cheese, infusing it with flavour while maintaining its moisture.
To begin, cut the feta cheese into cubes and place them into a clean, dry glass jar with an airtight lid. You can add herbs and spices to the jar for extra flavour. Then, cover the cheese completely with high-quality olive oil, ensuring that every piece is entirely submerged. Olive oil acts as a natural preservative by creating an oxygen-free environment where bacteria cannot thrive, but any exposed crumbles could introduce unwanted moulds. Secure the lid tightly and store the jar in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerator.
The olive oil will congeal in the refrigerator, so allow it to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to let it liquify. The feta cheese will be good to consume after a week or two, developing a distinct taste that can be enjoyed for weeks. The leftover olive oil can be used in salad dressings, over pasta, or as a dipping oil.
Preserving feta cheese in olive oil is a simple and tasty way to keep it moist and fresh for longer. With proper storage, you can enjoy this delicacy for weeks instead of days.
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Store in salted water
Feta is a crumbly, tangy Greek cheese that can dry out very quickly when exposed to air. To prevent this, it is important to store it in a brine solution—a combination of water and salt.
If you have purchased feta that comes in a sealed package without brine, you can easily make your own brine solution at home. Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can adjust the salinity of the brine to your taste, keeping in mind that a higher ratio of salt to water will increase the saltiness of the feta. Once you have prepared the brine, submerge the feta cheese completely in the solution and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the texture and flavour of the feta, keeping it moist and fresh for up to 3 weeks.
If you are looking to reduce the saltiness of your feta, you can opt for a milk bath instead of a brine solution. Soaking the feta in milk will help keep the cheese moist, mild in flavour, and less salty. However, it is important to note that the milk bath will not preserve the cheese for as long as brine, and the milk may spoil sooner.
Storing feta cheese in brine or salted milk is an effective way to maintain its quality and prolong its shelf life. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your feta cheese remains moist and flavourful for a few weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese can be kept moist by storing it in a brine solution, a combination of water and salt.
Combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. Store the feta in the brine, ensuring the cheese is completely covered.
Feta cheese can be stored in brine for several weeks at room temperature, and then for an additional two months in the refrigerator.
Yes, another way to keep feta cheese moist is to store it in olive oil. This helps maintain the salt content and extends the shelf life of the cheese.
