Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and it's no surprise that you want to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Feta is a Greek aged cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It has a distinct tangy flavour and crumbly texture, which can be preserved through proper storage. One common issue with feta cheese is that it dries out and spoils quickly when exposed to air. To prevent this, it is recommended to store feta in a brine solution, which is a combination of water and salt. This simple technique can keep your feta fresh for several weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Storage solution | Submerge in brine (a solution of salt and water) or plain water |
| Storage solution ratio | 4:1 water to salt ratio, or 2 cups water to 2 tsp salt |
| Storage solution type | Kosher salt or sea salt, not table salt |
| Storage solution frequency | Change the water every 2 weeks, or the brine once a week |
| Storage duration | Up to 3-4 weeks |
| Storage preparation | Boil water and add salt, cool, then submerge cheese |
| Storage preparation alternative | Freeze crumbled feta in resealable bags for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Store in brine (salt and water solution)
Storing feta cheese in brine is a great way to keep it fresh and flavourful for weeks. Brine is a simple solution of salt and water, which can easily be made at home. It is important to use the right kind of salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt, and not table salt, as this will not keep the cheese firm. The general recommendation is a 10-15% salt brine, so for a quart of water, you would need around three tablespoons of salt. However, if you are looking for a less salty brine, you can use a ratio of 4:1 water to salt.
To make the brine, boil the required amount of water and add the salt, stirring until it dissolves. Allow the brine to cool completely before pouring it into your chosen container. The container should be large enough so that the cheese is completely covered by the brine. It is also important to ensure the container is sealed securely. The brine and feta can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
If you are using a particularly large container, you may need to double or triple the amount of water and salt used. It is also important to note that the brine will need to be changed regularly, ideally once a week, to keep the feta fresh.
Storing feta in brine is a great way to preserve the cheese and ensure it does not dry out. It is also a cost-effective method, as the brine can be made at home with easily accessible ingredients.
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Seal the container
Sealing the container is an important step in storing feta cheese. Feta is a living thing, and when exposed to air, it starts to dry out and spoil quickly. To prevent this, you should seal the container tightly.
If you are storing feta in brine, make sure the cheese is completely covered by the liquid before sealing the container. This will ensure that the cheese doesn't dry out or become mouldy. Keep in mind that the water will last longer than the cheese, so if you don't eat cheese often, consider changing the water every two weeks or so.
If you are storing crumbled feta, you can seal it in a resealable bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. This is a great option if you want to extend the shelf life of your feta cheese and use it in cooked dishes like pasta, quiche, or pizza.
When sealing the container, it is also important to use the right type of salt. Table salt is not recommended as it won't keep the cheese firm. Instead, opt for kosher salt or sea salt.
Additionally, make sure to use an airtight container that can be sealed securely. This will ensure that no air gets to the cheese, prolonging its freshness and flavour.
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Refrigerate
Refrigeration is a key part of storing feta cheese. Feta cheese is a living thing, so it will spoil or dry out quickly if left exposed to air. To prevent this, you can store it in a refrigerator for short-term storage.
Firstly, prepare a brine solution by dissolving salt in water. The brine solution is important as it preserves the cheese and maintains its flavour. The ratio of salt to water varies across sources, with suggestions ranging from a 1:4 ratio of salt to water, to a 1:2 ratio. It is recommended to use kosher salt or sea salt, and not table salt. The water should be boiled and then cooled before adding the salt and creating the brine.
Once the brine is prepared, cut the feta cheese into cubes or slices. The cheese should be cut so that it fits into the container in which it will be stored, ensuring that the container is filled with enough brine to completely cover the cheese. The container should be sealed tightly to avoid spillage and to ensure the cheese is fully submerged in the brine.
Feta cheese stored in this way will last for up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. It is recommended to rinse the cheese under water after removing it from the brine before use.
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Use within 3-4 weeks
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can dry out or spoil quickly. To make your feta cheese last longer, you can store it in a brine solution. Brine is a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it that salty punch that feta is known for.
If you've purchased a block of feta cheese and don't plan to use it all at once, you can easily save the remaining cheese by making your own brine. The process is simple: combine water and salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can use a ratio of 4:1 for water and salt respectively, or you can adjust the saltiness to your taste. Just make sure you use kosher salt or sea salt, as table salt won't keep the cheese firm.
Once you've made your brine, cut your feta cheese into cubes or slices. Place the cheese into an airtight container, making sure the cheese is completely covered by the brine. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. With this method, your feta cheese should last for 3-4 weeks. When you're ready to use the cheese, simply take the desired amount of feta cubes from the brine, rinse them under water, and then use them as desired.
If you don't want to use brine, there are a few other storage options for your feta cheese. You can crumble the cheese and freeze it in resealable bags for up to 3 months. Frozen feta is best used in cooked dishes like pasta, quiche, or pizza, as the texture may not be as appealing for eating fresh. Another option is to store the feta in plain water, which will help maintain its texture without adding extra saltiness. However, these methods may not keep your feta fresh for as long as using brine.
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Freeze crumbled feta
Feta cheese can be frozen, and doing so extends its shelf life. However, freezing changes the taste and texture of feta cheese—it can lose a little saltiness and become more crumbly.
To freeze crumbled feta, it is particularly important to remove excess air from the packaging due to its greater surface area. One way to do this is to line a sheet tray with parchment and lay the crumbled feta in a single, tight layer, wrapping it very tightly with plastic a few times around, preferably in a dry room. Minimizing air exposure is key to retaining quality. You can also double-wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Make sure that your containers and bags are airtight to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date of freezing and place it in the freezer. Feta can be frozen for up to 2 months, but 1 month is best to avoid losing flavour. Once thawed, if it has lost some saltiness, place it in brine for a couple of hours. Do not refreeze.
As an alternative to freezing, you can marinate feta by crumbling the cheese into a jar and covering it with olive oil, eliminating the need for refrigeration.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese can be stored in a simple brine—a mixture of salt and water—for 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure the cheese is completely covered by the brine and seal the container.
The brine ratio varies depending on the source. One source suggests a ratio of 4:1 water to salt, while another suggests 2 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of salt. It's important to use kosher or sea salt rather than table salt, as table salt won't keep the cheese firm.
Yes, feta cheese can be frozen, but it is recommended to crumble the cheese first as it will be easier to thaw. Frozen feta is best used in cooked dishes rather than eaten as-is. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
