Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a Greek aged cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is characterised by its crumbly texture and tangy taste. Feta is traditionally stored in brine, a solution of water and salt, which preserves the cheese and gives it its salty flavour. If you've accidentally discarded the brine or purchased feta that didn't come packaged in brine, you can easily make your own brine solution at home by dissolving salt in water. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to store feta cheese in brine, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious cheese at its best.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water and salt |
| Water temperature | Room temperature |
| Salt quantity | 2 teaspoons of kosher salt per cup of water |
| Container | Airtight |
| Refrigeration | Yes |
| Refrigeration duration | Up to 3-4 weeks |
| Feta cheese coverage | Complete |
| Brine quantity | Sufficient to cover the cheese |
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What You'll Learn
How to make brine
Feta cheese is a Greek aged cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is a crumbly, tangy cheese with a salty punch. To keep it fresh, it is important to store it in brine.
Brine is a simple solution of water and salt. To make your own brine for storing feta cheese, start by dissolving 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water. You can adjust the measurements as needed to ensure that the cheese is completely covered with brine. The water should be at room temperature. If you find it difficult to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in it, and then combine it with cold water. Make sure the solution is at room temperature before adding the cheese.
Once the brine is ready, cut the leftover feta cheese into cubes and place them in the brine. Make sure all pieces of cheese are covered well. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
If you prefer a low-sodium option, you can marinate the feta cheese cubes in olive oil instead. Simply place the cubes in a storage container, cover them with extra virgin olive oil, seal the container, and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. You can even add herbs like oregano or thyme, and garlic to the olive oil for extra flavour.
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How to store feta cheese in a brine solution
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is a white, crumbly cheese with a tangy taste. It is often packaged in brine, a cloudy liquid that is a combination of water and salt. The brine flavours and preserves the cheese.
If you accidentally throw out the brine or if your feta cheese comes without brine, you can make your own brine by combining water and salt. The water should be at room temperature. If you find it difficult to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in it, and then combine it with cold water. It is recommended to use kosher salt when making brine. Dissolve two teaspoons of kosher salt in one cup of water. You can also use a four-to-one ratio of water to salt.
Once the brine is ready, cut the leftover feta cheese into cubes and place them in the brine. Make sure the cheese is completely covered by the brine. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. The feta cheese will stay fresh for up to three to four weeks.
If you are looking for a low-sodium option, you can marinate the feta cheese in olive oil. Cut the cheese into cubes, place them in a storage container, and pour olive oil over them, ensuring they are well covered. Seal the container and refrigerate for up to three weeks. You can also wrap feta cheese in lightweight paper and then in a plastic bag or plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator.
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How long does feta cheese last in brine
Feta cheese can last for a few weeks to several months in brine, depending on how it is stored. If stored in a simple brine of water and salt, feta cheese can last for about three to four weeks in the refrigerator. However, if the brine is made with milk and vinegar in addition to water and salt, the cheese will only last for about a week.
To make a simple brine, dissolve two teaspoons of kosher salt in one cup of water. It is important that the water is at room temperature. If you are having trouble dissolving the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in that, and then combine it with cold water. Make sure that the cheese is completely covered by the brine and seal the container.
Feta cheese packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly. To achieve this longer shelf life, it is important to make sure that the cheese block is completely submerged in brine and that care has been taken to avoid contamination. Additionally, the feta cheese in brine should be kept in the refrigerator at all times. If left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded.
To further extend the shelf life of feta cheese in brine, it can be frozen. To do this, drain the feta and wrap it tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, frozen feta cheese will maintain its best quality for about six months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.
It is important to note that feta cheese can go bad if not stored properly. Signs that feta cheese has gone bad include an unpleasant sour-cream smell, the presence of mold or colour changes, and a slimy texture. If any of these indicators are present, the cheese should be discarded.
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How to store feta cheese in olive oil
Feta cheese is traditionally stored in brine, a solution of salt dissolved in water. However, another way to store feta cheese is to preserve it in olive oil. This method is especially common in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, where olive oil is often used to preserve cheese, fish, and vegetables.
To store feta cheese in olive oil, start by cutting the cheese into cubes. Place the cubes into a clean jar, preferably a glass jar with an airtight lid. Then, cover the cheese entirely with olive oil, ensuring that every piece of cheese is completely submerged. You can use extra virgin olive oil for a more enriched flavour profile. Once the cheese is covered, seal the jar tightly.
Storing feta cheese in olive oil allows you to experiment with different flavours by adding herbs and spices to the jar. Common additions include oregano, thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The olive oil itself will also impart a distinct flavour to the cheese.
Proper storage techniques are crucial when storing feta cheese in olive oil. It is important to prevent air exposure, as oxidation can spoil the cheese. Therefore, always use a tight-lid jar and ensure that the cheese remains fully submerged in the oil. With proper storage, feta cheese can last for about two to three weeks in the refrigerator. At room temperature, it can even last indefinitely in a cool and dark pantry.
After you have finished the cheese, you can use the leftover olive oil in salad dressings, over pasta, or as a dipping oil.
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How to store feta cheese in milk
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk and is cured and stored in brine. However, if you want to store feta cheese in milk, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that feta cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, whether it is stored in brine or milk.
If you are not planning to consume the feta cheese immediately, you can store it in a milk bath in the refrigerator. A milk bath will reduce the saltiness of the cheese and help keep it moist and mild in flavor. It will also make the cheese creamier. However, it is important to note that a milk bath will not preserve the cheese for as long as brine. While brine can keep feta cheese fresh for up to three months, a milk bath will only preserve the cheese for about two weeks.
To store feta cheese in a milk bath, place the cheese in an airtight container and cover it with milk. Make sure the cheese is completely covered by the milk. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator.
If you are concerned about the saltiness of the feta cheese, you can soak the cheese in fresh water before storing it in milk. This will help to leach out some of the salt. Additionally, if you are only looking to reduce the saltiness of a portion of feta cheese that you plan to use immediately, you can soak it in milk for a couple of hours before use, rather than storing it in milk long-term.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is best stored in a brine solution, which is a combination of water and salt. The brine flavours and preserves the cheese, preventing it from drying out and spoiling.
To make brine, mix 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. You can adjust the saltiness of the brine by altering the ratio of salt to water.
Feta cheese stored in brine will last for up to 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
