Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but what happens when you have too much? Can you freeze it? Well, the good news is that feta freezes pretty well. Some people recommend vacuum sealing it first, while others suggest lining a tray with parchment paper and wrapping the cheese tightly in plastic before freezing. One thing to keep in mind is that minimizing air exposure is key to keeping your feta fresh in the freezer. With this method, you can expect a shelf life of around 45-60 days before your cheese starts to suffer from freezer burn. So, if you have a surplus of feta, don't be afraid to pop it in the freezer!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can feta cheese be frozen? | Yes |
| How to freeze feta cheese? | Vacuum seal, with no water or air. |
| How long does frozen feta cheese last? | 45-60 days |
| How to thaw frozen feta cheese? | Overnight in the fridge |
| How to use frozen feta cheese? | Crumble and melt on dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Feta freezes well
The shelf life of frozen feta is approximately 45 to 60 days before freezer burn may occur. To thaw frozen feta, it is best to leave it in the fridge overnight rather than using a microwave.
Some people suggest freezing feta in brine or marinating it in flavored oil before freezing to enhance its flavor and extend its shelf life. However, others have noted that pre-crumbled feta with visible moisture may not freeze well and can crumble further.
Overall, freezing feta is a good option to extend its shelf life and prevent waste. It freezes better than many other cheeses and can be a convenient way to store and use feta for those who don't plan on consuming it within its fresh shelf life.
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Vacuum sealing is important
Feta cheese can be frozen, and it freezes better than many other types of cheese. When freezing feta, it is important to vacuum seal it to prolong its shelf life and maintain its quality.
Vacuum sealing is a critical step in the process of freezing feta cheese. By removing air and preventing exposure to moisture, vacuum sealing helps prevent the growth of bacteria and the development of freezer burn. This is crucial because feta cheese is prone to crumbling and moisture retention, which can impact its texture and quality during freezing.
To effectively vacuum seal feta cheese, it is recommended to line a sheet tray with parchment paper and arrange the cheese in a single, tight layer. The cheese should then be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring a secure seal. This process minimizes air exposure and helps maintain the integrity of the cheese during freezing.
Additionally, vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life of feta cheese. Without proper sealing, feta cheese can develop freezer burn within 45 to 60 days. However, with vacuum sealing, the cheese can be stored for longer periods without significant deterioration.
Furthermore, vacuum sealing allows for convenient portion control and storage. By dividing the feta cheese into desired portions before vacuum sealing, individuals can easily thaw and use specific amounts as needed, reducing waste and ensuring freshness. This method also enables efficient storage, as vacuum-sealed packages can be stacked or arranged neatly in the freezer.
In summary, vacuum sealing is important when freezing feta cheese to preserve its quality, extend its shelf life, and facilitate convenient storage and portion control. By minimizing air exposure and preventing moisture retention, vacuum sealing helps maintain the texture and flavor of feta cheese during freezing.
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Freezing pre-crumbled feta
Yes, you can freeze pre-crumbled feta cheese. It can be frozen for at least 3 months, but it's best to consume it within 45-60 days to avoid freezer burn.
To freeze pre-crumbled feta, it's important to minimise air exposure. Start by spreading the crumbles in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with a silicone mat, aluminium foil, or parchment paper. Make sure there is some space between the crumbles so they don't freeze into a large clump. Once the cheese is frozen solid, transfer it to a freezer bag or container.
Alternatively, you can freeze pre-crumbled feta by placing it directly into a freezer bag or container. However, this method may result in larger clumps of frozen cheese that are more difficult to separate.
When freezing pre-crumbled feta, it's important to remove any visible moisture. Feta with visible moisture may have a higher presence of air and humidity, which can affect the quality of the cheese during freezing.
After freezing and thawing, feta cheese may become drier, crumblier, and slightly less salty and rich. These changes are usually unnoticeable, especially if the cheese is used in cooked dishes or salads. If desired, you can add saltiness back to the feta by submerging it in a saline solution for half an hour.
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Feta in brine
Feta cheese is a Greek staple that is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It is often sold in sealed packages with a splash of brine, which is a solution of water and salt. An unopened package of feta can last for several months in the refrigerator, but it will eventually dry out and lose flavour when exposed to air.
If you have leftover feta and don't plan on using it within a few days, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life. Freezing feta is a great way to save money and prevent waste. However, it's important to note that freezing will alter the texture and taste of the cheese. Feta will become crumbly and drier, and may lose some of its signature richness, saltiness and tanginess.
To freeze feta in brine, you must first drain the brine and pat the cheese dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because water forms crystals when frozen, which can negatively affect the taste and texture of the feta. Then, cut the feta into portions that are enough for a single dish. Place the portions into a freezer bag or container, making sure to exclude as much air as possible. Seal the container and freeze for up to three months.
When you are ready to use the frozen feta, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also place the thawed cheese in brine to restore some of its flavour. Frozen and thawed feta is best used in cooked dishes where the changes in texture and taste are less noticeable. It works well in casseroles, soups, and dishes like spanakopita (Greek cheese pie), quiche, and pizza.
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Defrosting frozen feta
Feta cheese can be frozen and subsequently defrosted. However, it is important to note that the texture of the cheese may change slightly after the freezing process, becoming more crumbly. To defrost frozen feta, the best method is to place it in a refrigerator overnight. This method requires little effort and ensures the cheese is defrosted by the next day. The cheese should be placed in its storage container or wrapped in plastic film to retain its quality.
If you are in a hurry, a quicker method is to submerge the feta in a bowl of cold water. The cheese should be placed in a ziplock bag to ensure it is fully submerged, and it will take a couple of hours to defrost.
Once the feta is defrosted, it is best to use it within one to three days, depending on the source. The defrosted cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as melted on pasta or mashed potatoes, or in a salad with cucumber and tomatoes. If you notice a change in taste, you can add saltiness to the feta by submerging it in a saline solution for half an hour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese freezes well. It's best to minimize air exposure, so vacuum seal the cheese or line a tray with parchment paper, place the cheese in a single layer, and wrap tightly with plastic.
Frozen feta cheese has a shelf life of 45-60 days before it develops freezer burn.
Defrost frozen feta cheese by leaving it in the fridge overnight. Do not microwave it.
It is not recommended to freeze pre-crumbled feta cheese if there is visible moisture in the bag. However, some people have had success freezing feta in its brine.
