Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean dishes, but it can be tricky to store. Typically, feta is shipped and sold in a salt brine, which helps preserve it. When stored in brine, feta can last three to four weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you have crumbled your feta cheese, you may be wondering how to extend its shelf life. One option is to recreate the brine solution at home by dissolving salt in water and submerging the cheese in it. Alternatively, you can freeze crumbled feta, which will alter its texture, making it even more fragmented when defrosted. This texture can work well in dishes like quinoa or lettuce salads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storing in brine | Feta cheese can be stored in the brine solution it came in. |
| Refrigerating | Feta refrigerated in brine can last 3-4 weeks. |
| Freezing | Feta can be frozen for 2-3 months. |
| Containers | Feta can be frozen using cling film, vacuum-sealed bags, or resealable freezer bags. |
| Air removal | As much air should be removed from the bag as possible before sealing. |
| Freezer position | Feta should be placed in a flat, stable position in the freezer. |
| Texture change | Freezing will affect the texture of feta, making it more fragmented. |
| Taste change | Freezing may alter the taste of feta, particularly its saltiness. |
| Homemade brine | A brine solution can be made with a 4:1 ratio of distilled water and salt. |
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What You'll Learn
Storing crumbled feta in brine
Storing crumbled feta cheese in brine is an effective way to keep it fresh for a long time. Feta cheese is traditionally preserved in brine, a solution of water and salt, and this method can also be used for storage after purchase.
To store crumbled feta in brine, start by preparing a brine solution. Boil some water and add a tablespoon of salt for every cup of water. Allow the solution to cool completely before transferring it to a secure container. Next, place the crumbled feta cheese into the container, ensuring that the brine solution covers the cheese entirely. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator. With this method, your feta cheese can last for up to 3-4 weeks.
It is important to note that the brine solution should always cover the cheese. If any part of the cheese is exposed to the air, it may start to develop mould. However, as long as the cheese is fully submerged, it will remain edible, and any mould can simply be sliced off.
Storing feta in brine is a simple and cost-effective method that preserves the cheese's texture and flavour. It is also versatile, as the leftover brine can be used in cooking to add a salty, tangy flavour to various dishes.
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Freezing crumbled feta
Feta cheese can be frozen, and it freezes well. However, freezing changes the taste and texture of feta cheese. Feta can lose a little saltiness and become more crumbly after it has been frozen. If you prefer your feta salty, you can place it in brine after thawing.
To freeze crumbled feta, it is important to minimise air exposure. You can do this by lining a sheet tray with parchment paper and laying the feta in a single, tight layer. Wrap the sheet tray tightly with plastic a few times, preferably in a dry room. Alternatively, you can double-wrap each piece of feta in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove excess air from the bag, as crumbled feta has a greater surface area. Label the bag with the date of freezing and place it in the freezer.
Feta cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months, but 1 month is best to avoid losing flavour. When thawed, if the feta has lost its saltiness, you can place it in brine for a couple of hours. Do not refreeze.
Freezing feta is a good way to extend its shelf life, but it will eventually spoil. Frozen feta works better when cooked into a dish. You can add extra olive oil or salt to balance the flavour.
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Making your own brine
Feta cheese can be stored in brine for months. To make your own brine, you will need water, salt, and a container for the cheese. The water should ideally be distilled, and you should use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of water. You can also add 1 teaspoon of calcium chloride and 2 to 2.5 teaspoons of vinegar to the mixture. Boil the water and add the salt, stirring until it dissolves. Allow the brine to cool completely before pouring it over the feta cheese in the container. Make sure the cheese is completely submerged in the brine and store it in the refrigerator.
If you prefer your feta cheese less salty, you can simply store it in water instead of brine. This will help pull out some of the salt from the cheese. However, this method may not effectively inhibit bacterial growth, so it is important to use the water within a couple of weeks.
Another option for making brine is to use leftover whey from strained yoghurt. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt to a quart of whey and mix well. This method is said to improve the flavour of feta cheese considerably. You can also reuse brine from previously purchased feta cheese. However, it is recommended to only reuse the brine once, and to store it in cool temperatures to extend its lifespan.
When making your own brine, it is important to ensure that the cheese is fully submerged in the liquid. You may need to use multiple containers or cut the cheese into smaller pieces to ensure it is completely covered. Additionally, make sure the container is securely closed to prevent spillage.
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Storing feta in oil
Feta cheese is often packaged in brine, a combination of water and salt, which flavours and preserves the cheese. When exposed to the air, feta starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. To prevent this, you can store your feta in brine, ensuring the cheese is completely covered.
Oil is another preservative that has been used to store cheese, especially in the Mediterranean. Storing feta in oil will keep it fresh for months without refrigeration, as long as it is kept in a cool, dark place. To store feta in oil, follow these steps:
- Cut the feta into 1-inch chunks.
- Layer the feta chunks in a sterilised jar with herbs, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and other flavourings of your choice.
- Pour olive oil into the jar until the feta and herbs are completely submerged. Anything left above the oil will spoil.
- Seal the jar and leave it at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 2 days before serving. The feta will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
Note that the oil may congeal in the refrigerator, so allow it to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to liquify. You can also use a combination of water and olive oil to soak the feta before storing it, infusing it with flavour while keeping it creamy.
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How long does crumbled feta last?
Feta is a perishable food, and once it is out of the brine, it will only last a few weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life, it is best to store it in a brine solution. To make your own brine, all you need is water, salt, and a container. Boil the water, add a tablespoon of salt, and allow the mixture to cool before pouring it over the feta in the container. Make sure the lid is secure and that the cheese is completely submerged.
If you don't want to make your own brine, you can also freeze crumbled feta. When properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
Even with these preservation methods, it is important to inspect your feta cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. One of the most obvious signs of spoilage is the presence of mold. Feta cheese that has gone bad may also have a noticeable change in smell or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the cheese.
The shelf life of crumbled feta cheese can vary depending on how it is stored. If stored in a brine solution, feta cheese can last for up to three months. However, if stored without brine in the refrigerator, it will only last for about 10 days. Additionally, if left at room temperature for more than two hours, feta cheese should be discarded, as bacteria can quickly grow at these temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese refrigerated in brine can last three to four weeks in the fridge.
Yes, you can freeze crumbled feta cheese. However, freezing will affect its texture. When defrosted, the cheese will be even more fragmented.
Cut your feta into smaller portions or crumble it using your fingers. Try to get as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it. Label your storage container with the date and place it in the freezer in a flat, stable position.
The brine solution that feta cheese is often shipped in is made of water and salt.
Boil water with a tablespoon of salt. Once it boils, take it off the heat and let it cool completely. After it has cooled, fill your container with the brine solution and place your feta cheese in it.
