Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a delicious and affordable treat, but it can quickly turn from tasty to funky. To avoid wasting feta cheese, it is important to store it properly. Feta cheese is often sold in plastic tubs with a bit of brine, a cloudy liquid that is a combination of water and salt. The brine helps to preserve the cheese and keep it from drying out and becoming sour. When purchasing feta cheese, it is important to check if it comes in brine and, if not, to create your own brine solution to store the cheese in. This will ensure that the cheese stays fresh and flavourful. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to store and preserve feta cheese, including the use of brine, olive oil, and refrigeration.
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What You'll Learn
How to store feta cheese
Feta cheese is usually shipped in a salt brine, which is a combination of water and salt that flavours and preserves the cheese. When exposed to air, feta cheese starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. Therefore, it is important to store feta cheese in a brine solution.
To store feta cheese, transfer it to a sealable glass or china container. If the cheese came in a brine solution, pour in the accompanying liquid (brine) and top it up with more brine if needed. Place the lid on firmly and store the cheese in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If the feta cheese did not come in a brine solution, you can make your own by mixing water and salt. To do this, boil enough water to fill your container and add a tablespoon of salt. Once the salt has dissolved, let the water cool to room temperature and taste the brine. If it is not salty enough, add more salt. If it is too salty, add more water. Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the cheese in the container, making sure that the cheese is completely covered.
You can also store feta cheese by covering it with olive oil, which can add some flavour to the cheese. Additionally, you can add fresh herbs, spices, or peppercorns to the olive oil for extra flavour. However, marinating feta cheese in oil can be more expensive than using brine.
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The importance of brine
Feta cheese is widely considered Greece's national cheese and is an important part of classic Greek dishes such as spanakopita. It is also enjoyed in other parts of the world, including Turkey.
Feta cheese is a very porous type of cheese and is prone to drying out and spoilage when exposed to air. Therefore, it is important to store it in a brine solution, which is simply salt dissolved in water. The brine prevents the cheese from drying out, maintaining its creamy texture and sharp flavour. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria, which can cause the cheese to spoil and develop an off-putting \"funky\" odour.
Brine solutions can be made at home by dissolving salt in water. The salinity of the brine should match that of the cheese. If the brine is too salty, add more water; if it is not salty enough, add more salt. The brine solution can be adjusted by taste, or more precisely, by measuring the salinity with a tool such as a refractometer.
Feta cheese stored in brine can last for several months in the refrigerator, whereas feta stored without brine is best consumed within 3–4 days of purchase.
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Freezing feta cheese
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can be hard to use it all before it goes bad. Freezing feta cheese is a great way to prolong its life and reduce waste. While freezing can alter the texture and taste of feta, it is still a viable option for those looking to save money and time on groceries. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze feta cheese:
Preparing the Feta Cheese for Freezing
Before freezing feta cheese, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure the best possible outcome. Firstly, decide whether you want to freeze the feta whole or crumbled. Freezing crumbled feta will result in an even more fragmented texture, which may be desirable for certain dishes like a quinoa salad. However, freezing a whole block of feta is generally quicker and easier. If you choose to freeze a whole block, it is recommended to cut the feta into sizable portions to make handling, storing, and defrosting more efficient.
Choosing the Right Container
The next step is to select an appropriate container for freezing. It is best to avoid plastic containers as they can transfer odours to the cheese. Instead, opt for glass or china storage containers. Place the feta cheese into the chosen container, ensuring it is firmly sealed. If you are freezing crumbled feta, it is crucial to minimise air exposure by creating a tight layer and wrapping the cheese several times in plastic.
Brine or No Brine?
Feta cheese is typically sold in brine, which is a salt and water solution that helps maintain freshness and flavour. When freezing feta, you have the option to include brine or not. If you choose to freeze the feta in brine, simply ensure the cheese is fully submerged. However, it is important to note that the acidity level of the feta will change if frozen and defrosted in brine, potentially impacting the curd structure. As an alternative, you can pour off the brine and vacuum seal the cheese before freezing.
Thawing and Serving Frozen Feta
When it comes to thawing frozen feta, it is best to avoid using a microwave. Instead, allow the feta to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the feta, particularly its saltiness. If desired, you can place the cheese in brine once it has thawed to restore some of its original flavour. Always use utensils to remove the feta from the brine, and be sure to rinse and pat it dry before serving.
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How to make your own brine
To open a feta cheese container, you can follow the same steps as opening any other plastic container. However, it is important to note that feta cheese needs to be stored in brine to prevent it from drying out and to preserve its flavour.
Now, to make your own brine, you will need water and salt. The water should be at room temperature. If you find it challenging to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in it, and then mix it with the remaining cold water. Ensure the solution reaches room temperature before adding your feta cheese.
For measurements, you can use a ratio of 2 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. You can also use sea salt, but avoid table salt as it won't keep the cheese firm. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. You can adjust the salinity by adding more salt if it's not salty enough or diluting it with more water if it's too salty.
Once you've made your brine, cut your leftover feta cheese into cubes, or leave it as a block if you prefer. Place the cheese in a sealed container and pour in the brine, making sure the cheese is completely covered. Store it in the refrigerator, and your feta should last for about 3-4 weeks.
If you're looking for a low-sodium alternative, you can try marinating the cheese in olive oil instead. Simply cut the cheese into cubes, place them in a container, and cover them with olive oil.
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How long does feta cheese last?
Feta cheese is supposed to be eaten fresh, within a few days of purchase. When stored in the refrigerator, sealed, and unopened, feta can last for up to a week past its printed date. Once opened, feta cheese can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. However, some sources suggest that it can last up to 10 days after opening if stored in a brine solution.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in a sealed container with a brine solution (a 10% salt solution). This can preserve the cheese for up to two to three months in the refrigerator. If you don't have enough brine, you can make your own by dissolving salt in water. The brine should taste as salty as the cheese. Always use utensils to remove the cheese from the brine to avoid introducing microbes that could encourage spoilage.
Feta cheese can also be preserved by covering it with olive oil before storing it. This method can also add some flavour to the cheese. Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly.
It is important to regularly check feta cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, off scents, or a change in colour or texture. Trust your senses to determine if the cheese is still safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese containers are usually sealed plastic tubs. To open them, simply remove the lid.
Feta cheese should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge. Cover the cheese with brine or olive oil to keep it fresh for longer.
To make brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt into 2 cups of water. You can adjust the salinity by adding more salt or water.
Feta cheese should be consumed within 3-4 days of opening. However, if stored in brine, it can last up to 2-3 months.
Feta cheese can be frozen, but it may not retain its texture and flavour. It is recommended to consume feta cheese fresh within a few days of purchase.
