Andy Montoya
Feta is a soft, white, Greek cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk. It is often cured and stored in brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water—but once opened, it can dry out or spoil quickly. To prevent this, some sources recommend storing feta in a milk bath in the refrigerator. However, opinions vary on the effectiveness of this method, with some claiming it results in a creamier, softer taste and others stating it should only be done for a couple of hours before use to reduce the saltiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store feta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Brine | Feta cheese is traditionally stored in brine (a solution of water and salt) |
| Milk | Feta can be stored in milk to reduce saltiness and keep the cheese moist and mild in flavor |
| Olive oil | Covering feta with olive oil can make it last longer and also add some flavor |
| Freezing | Feta cheese does not freeze well, although it can be frozen if used in pies, quiches, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How to make brine
Feta is a traditional Greek cheese, made from sheep's or goat's milk, and is often cured and stored in brine. Brine is a solution of water and salt, and it is used to flavour and preserve the cheese.
To make brine, you will need 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 the remaining cold water. Bring it back to room temperature before using it.
The type of salt you use is important. It is recommended to use kosher salt when making brine, as it helps the cheese to keep firm. Table salt does not have the same effect. You can also use sea salt. The amount of salt you use will depend on how salty you want your brine to be. A ratio of 2 teaspoons of salt to 1 cup of water will create a brine that will keep your feta fresh for around 3 weeks. If you want to store the feta for longer, you can increase the ratio of salt to water. A ratio of 1 pound of salt to 1 gallon of water will create a saturated brine, increasing the saltiness of your feta.
Once you have dissolved the salt in the water, cut the leftover feta into cubes and place them in the brine, ensuring that all pieces of cheese are covered well. You can also store a whole or half block of feta in the brine if you prefer. Seal the container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 weeks. When you are ready to use the feta, take the cubes out of the brine, rinse them under water, and then use as desired.
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Feta cheese in brine
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured and stored in brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water. Brine helps preserve feta's salty punch and creamy texture.
Storing Feta Cheese in Brine
If you want to store feta cheese in brine, you will need to prepare the brine solution. To make brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water at room temperature. You can adjust the salinity of the brine by adding more salt or water. Place the feta cheese in the brine solution, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered by the brine. Seal the container and refrigerate it. Properly stored, feta cheese in brine will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to store feta cheese for longer, you can freeze it. However, freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
Storing Feta Cheese in Milk
If you prefer a milder flavour, you can store feta cheese in milk. Soaking feta cheese in milk will reduce its saltiness and make it creamier and softer. However, it is important to note that storing feta cheese in milk will not preserve it for as long as brine. Feta cheese stored in milk will only last for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
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Feta cheese in salted milk
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and cured and stored in brine. It is a crumbly white cheese with a tangy and salty flavour.
Feta cheese can be stored in lightly salted milk if it is not going to be consumed immediately. Storing feta in salted milk will reduce its saltiness and keep the cheese moist and mild in flavour. It will also make the cheese creamier. To store feta in salted milk, make sure the cheese is completely covered by the milk and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that storing feta in salted milk will not preserve the cheese for as long as storing it in brine. Feta stored in salted milk will only last for about two weeks, while feta stored in brine can last for up to three months.
If you are looking to preserve your feta for a longer period of time, it is best to store it in brine. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and it is important that the brine has the same salinity as the cheese to maintain its flavour. To make brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 cup of water, or for a stronger brine, use 1 pound of salt per gallon of water. Place the feta in an airtight container and cover it completely with the brine before refrigerating.
Feta cheese is a great beginner cheese to make at home as it can be made with minimal ingredients and equipment, and it can be aged in a regular refrigerator.
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How to store feta cheese in the fridge
Feta is a soft, white cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk, but it can also be made from goat's milk or cow's milk. It is a fresh, unripened cheese that is best when eaten fresh. If you don't plan on consuming your feta cheese immediately, you can store it in a brine solution or milk bath in the refrigerator.
To make a brine solution, combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can adjust the salinity of the brine to match that of the cheese, so it does not change the flavour. If the brine is too salty, it will make the cheese taste saltier. If it is too weak, it will weaken the saltiness of the cheese. Make sure the cheese is covered completely by the brine solution.
If you want to reduce the saltiness of your feta cheese, you can store it in a milk bath. This will also make the cheese creamier and help keep it moist and mild in flavour. To do this, place the feta cheese in an airtight container and cover it with milk. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that feta cheese does not freeze well. If stored correctly in the refrigerator, feta cheese will last for up to three months in a brine solution or milk bath, and up to four days without any special storage preparation.
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How long does feta cheese last in milk?
Feta cheese is a popular semi-soft cheese that originates from Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. Feta is a versatile ingredient commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, such as Greek salads and spanakopita, and can also be added to omelettes, pasta dishes, and pizza toppings.
When it comes to storing feta cheese, it is crucial to follow proper storage practices to maintain its freshness, flavour, and safety. Feta has a high moisture content and a unique composition that make it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. Here are some essential tips on how long feta cheese lasts in milk and other storage methods:
Storing Feta Cheese in Milk
Storing feta cheese in milk is a traditional practice that can help reduce the cheese's saltiness and keep it moist and mild in flavour. It is recommended to submerge the feta in milk and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method can make the cheese creamier and less salty. However, it is important to note that storing feta in milk will not preserve it for as long as other methods. The maximum duration for storing feta in milk is typically around two weeks.
Storing Feta Cheese in Brine
Another common method for storing feta cheese is to use brine, which is a solution of salt dissolved in water. Brine helps preserve the flavour and moisture of the cheese. Feta cheese is often sold in brine, and when stored properly, unopened feta in brine can last for several weeks or even months past the printed date. Once opened, it is recommended to keep the feta submerged in brine and sealed in an airtight container. This will extend its shelf life, and it can last for up to a month in the refrigerator.
Other Storage Considerations
In addition to using milk or brine, there are a few other factors to consider when storing feta cheese:
- Packaging: Keep unopened feta in its original sealed packaging until ready to use. This helps maintain freshness.
- Storage Temperature: Feta cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature between 34-40°F (35-40°F is ideal).
- Exposure to Air: Minimise air exposure to reduce the risk of mould growth and spoilage.
- Freezing: Feta cheese can be frozen, but it may change in texture and is best used in cooked dishes after thawing.
By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life of your feta cheese and enjoy it at its best quality while also ensuring food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese can be stored in milk for about 3 months in the fridge. However, some sources suggest that it will only last for a maximum of 2 weeks.
Place the feta cheese in an airtight container and cover it completely with milk. Put the lid on the container and store it in the refrigerator.
Storing feta cheese in milk will make it less salty, creamier, and softer.
Yes, feta cheese can be stored in brine (a solution of salt and water). This will preserve the cheese and add depth to its flavour.
