Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to any meal, but it can be tricky to preserve. The best way to extend the shelf life of feta cheese is to store it in a salt brine solution or olive oil with herbs and spices. This will keep the cheese fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you're looking to add some flavour, marinating your feta in oil with herbs like rosemary or thyme is a great option. Alternatively, you can submerge the cheese in water with a tablespoon of salt, ensuring the container is sealed tightly. With these methods, you can enjoy the creamy taste of feta for longer.
Characteristics of preserving feta cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use a container | Tupperware or glass jar |
| Use water | Boil water and add a tablespoon of salt to the water |
| Use oil | Olive oil, canola oil, or a combination of both |
| Add herbs and spices | Rosemary, thyme, black pepper, or garlic |
| Refrigerate | Allow oil to liquify at room temperature before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Storing feta in salt brine
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk and is cured and stored in brine. The brine is a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it a salty taste.
Storing feta cheese in salt brine is an effective way to preserve this crumbly cheese. Firstly, cut the feta cheese into pieces that fit into a Tupperware container. Ensure that the container is not too large, as you want the brine to cover the cheese completely. A general brine recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part salt. Boil the water and add the salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. Allow the brine to cool completely before pouring it into the container with the feta cheese. Make sure the cheese is fully submerged, as any exposed areas may develop mould. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. With this method, the feta should last for up to 3 weeks.
If you are using a larger container, you may need to adjust the brine recipe to ensure there is enough liquid to cover the cheese. For example, you can use 1 quart of water with 3 tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt. It is important to use water that is distilled or boiled, as this will help prevent any additional bacteria from being introduced to the cheese.
You can also store feta cheese in plain water if you find it too salty. This will help maintain the texture without adding extra flavour. Additionally, if you plan to use the feta cheese within a few days, you can simply store it in the refrigerator without any liquid. However, the flavour may deteriorate, and the cheese may dry out or spoil quickly.
Storing feta cheese in salt brine is a simple and effective way to preserve its creamy texture and tangy taste. By following these steps, you can enjoy the feta cheese for a longer period and enhance your culinary creations.
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Using oil to preserve feta
Feta cheese can be preserved in oil, which also works with other mature cheeses. You can use olive oil, canola oil, or a combination of the two. The oil can be flavoured with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, and even black peppercorns. The oil can then be used to dress salads.
To preserve feta cheese in oil, first cut the cheese into rounds or cubes. Then, place the cheese in a container and cover it completely with oil. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the cheese, with a little extra to spare. You can add herbs or other flavourings to the oil if desired. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator.
The oil will help to keep the feta cheese moist and prevent it from drying out. It will also infuse the cheese with flavour. The cheese can be stored in oil for up to a year, and the flavour will improve over time.
It is important to note that the quality and fat content of the feta cheese will affect how well it keeps. Feta that is already dry or of lower quality may not keep as well when stored in oil. Additionally, oil is more expensive than other preservation methods, such as brine, so this may be a consideration when choosing a preservation method.
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Freezing feta
Feta cheese can be frozen, although it will change in taste and texture. Feta can lose some of its salty flavour and become more crumbly after being frozen.
To freeze feta, you should first dry the cheese with a paper towel. Then, cut the block into meal-sized portions. Next, wrap each portion in plastic wrap or cling film to prevent freezer burn. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag and seal it. You can also vacuum seal the cheese for extra freshness. Make sure to label the bag with the date it was frozen.
Feta cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to two months, but it is best to use it within one month. To thaw the frozen cheese, place it in the fridge for 3 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the block. You can also thaw it by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
Some people also recommend freezing feta in brine, which can help to maintain its salty flavour. However, it is important to ensure that the cheese is completely submerged in the brine and that there is no water or air in the container to prevent freezer burn.
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Using water to store feta
Feta is a soft, white, and tangy Greek cheese that can be served on its own, crumbled over salads, or melted between flaky pastry layers. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk, but can also be made from a mixture of sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. Feta is a brined cheese, which means that it is aged in a salt bath until it's very salty.
The best way to store feta cheese for longer than a week is to keep it in brine, which is a solution of water and salt. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese. The ratio of salt to water in the brine can be adjusted to control bacterial growth and to influence the flavour of the cheese. If you prefer your cheese to be less salty, you can reduce the saltiness of feta by soaking it in plain water or milk for a couple of hours before use.
To make your own brine, combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can adjust the ratio of salt to water depending on how salty you want your brine to be. For example, a ratio of 1 pound of salt to 1 gallon of water will create a saturated brine that will increase the saltiness of your feta. Make sure you have enough brine to completely cover the cheese. Once the brine has cooled down, place the feta into an airtight container and cover it with the brine. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator, where it can remain for at least a month.
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How long feta lasts in storage
Feta cheese can be stored in a variety of ways, and its longevity depends on the method used.
Feta cheese that is packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. To store feta in brine, cut the cheese into portions that will fit into a Tupperware container. Boil enough water to fill the container, adding a tablespoon of salt to the water. Once the water has boiled, allow it to cool completely before filling the container and adding the cheese. The cheese must be completely submerged in the brine, and the lid should be secure. The brine should be changed once a week.
Feta can also be stored in olive oil with herbs such as rosemary or thyme. This method can also be used for other mature cheeses, and the oil can be used to dress salads.
If stored in the fridge, unopened feta cheese can last for several months. One source suggests that feta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 9 months, while another states that their feta was still edible after a year. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for mold or off scents before consuming it. If the cheese has been opened, it should be wrapped in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and stored in the refrigerator, where it will last for 1-2 weeks. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to preserve feta cheese is to store it in a salt brine solution. You can achieve this by adding a tablespoon of salt to a pot of boiled water. Allow the mixture to cool before submerging your feta cheese in it. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly.
Yes, olive oil is another effective way to preserve feta cheese. You can add herbs and spices to the oil for extra flavour. However, the oil will congeal in the refrigerator, so allow it to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Feta cheese preserved in olive oil can last for at least two weeks in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze feta cheese. Freezing is a good option if you plan to cook with the cheese. However, the smell of the cheese will change noticeably when it gets bad.
You can also preserve feta cheese by combining water and olive oil. This method infuses the cheese with flavour while keeping it creamy.
