Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor. It is often sold in a saltwater solution, or brine, which preserves the cheese by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. However, some people choose to discard the brine and store their feta in plain water, which can help maintain the cheese's texture without adding extra flavor. Others choose to make their own brine by dissolving salt in water. The question of whether to change the water in feta cheese depends on various factors, including personal preference, the desired level of salinity, and the presence of any off-smells indicating spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why store feta in water? | To maintain moisture, preserve flavor, inhibit bacterial growth, extend shelf life, improve texture, and for convenience. |
| Type of water | Cold, filtered water |
| How long can feta be stored in water? | Several weeks in the refrigerator |
| How to store feta in water | Choose a suitable container with a lid and create a saltwater solution |
| Ratio of salt to water | 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 cup of cold water, or 2 teaspoons of salt per cup of water |
| Alternative to saltwater solution | Plain water can be used to store feta if the cheese is already super salty |
| Reusing brine | It is recommended to change the brine if it smells off. Brine can be reused once at most. |
| Other uses of brine | Can be used as a flavor booster in cooking, such as in marinades, dressings, doughs, and dips |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese can be stored in water for several weeks
Feta cheese can indeed be stored in water for several weeks. Feta is typically brined during production, which means it is soaked in a saltwater solution. This process preserves the cheese by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Storing feta in water helps to maintain its moisture content and prevents it from drying out and becoming crumbly. It also helps to preserve the characteristic salty and tangy flavor of the cheese.
When storing feta cheese in water, it is important to use cold, filtered water to prevent contamination. The water acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from accessing the cheese's surface and causing spoilage. This extends the shelf life of the cheese, allowing it to last for several weeks in the refrigerator compared to a few days if stored in open air.
To properly store feta cheese in water, choose a suitable container such as a glass jar or plastic storage container with a lid. Create a saltwater solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 cup of cold water, or until the salt no longer dissolves in the water. Completely submerge the feta in this solution and store it in the refrigerator.
It is worth noting that the brine solution, in which feta is often packaged, can be reused to store feta cheese. However, some people prefer to make their own brine or use plain water if the feta is already very salty. Additionally, the brine solution should be changed if it starts to smell off or sour.
Storing feta cheese in water not only extends its shelf life but also improves its texture and makes it convenient to use. By draining and crumbling the cheese as needed, one can unlock the full potential of this Mediterranean staple in various culinary applications.
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The water should be cold and filtered
Feta cheese is typically brined during production, which helps preserve the cheese by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The brine is a combination of water and salt, which flavours and preserves the cheese. When feta is exposed to the air, it starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour.
The water used for brining should be cold and filtered. Cold water is necessary to create the brine solution. The temperature of the water is important because it needs to be cold enough to dissolve the salt and create a brine solution, but not so cold that it affects the texture of the cheese. The water should also be filtered to prevent contamination.
Feta cheese stored in water can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, compared to a few days if stored in the open air. The water acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from accessing the cheese's surface and spoiling it. Storing feta cheese in water also helps to maintain its soft and crumbly texture.
To store feta cheese in water, it is recommended to use a food-safe container with a lid, such as a glass jar or plastic storage container. The container should be large enough to completely submerge the cheese in the water or brine solution. The brine solution can be made by mixing one tablespoon of salt per cup of cold water, or two teaspoons of salt per cup of water. It is important to use cold, filtered water to prevent contamination and ensure the longevity of the feta cheese.
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Feta brine can be used in cooking
Feta brine can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. It can be used as a marinade for chicken, giving the meat a bright, acidic flavour and tenderising it, resulting in juicy, well-seasoned chicken. It can also be used in place of vinegar or lemon juice in a vinaigrette, adding a punchy, salty twist to your salad dressing.
Feta brine is also an excellent ingredient for baking. Adding it to bread dough enhances the sour, salty, and slightly funky notes that bakers usually spend days trying to develop. It also lowers the pH of the dough, which helps to extend the shelf life of the finished loaf by slowing mould growth.
Feta brine can also be used to cook grains or legumes, adding flavour and depth to rice, quinoa, or lentils. Start by substituting a quarter of your cooking liquid with feta brine, then add more to subsequent batches to suit your taste.
Finally, feta brine can be used to make tofu taste like feta. Simply cube the tofu and leave it to "pickle" in the brine, or press out the liquid and grill the tofu for extra crispy, feta-flavoured tofu.
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Feta brine can be made at home
Feta cheese is typically brined during production, which involves soaking it in a saltwater solution. This process helps preserve the cheese by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The saltwater solution also helps to maintain the cheese's moisture and distinctive salty, tangy flavour.
Feta cheese can be stored in water for several weeks in the refrigerator. To store feta cheese in water, it is recommended to use cold, filtered water to prevent contamination. Additionally, a food-safe container with a lid, such as a glass jar or plastic storage container, should be used.
If you wish to make your own brine at home, you can follow a simple recipe by combining water with salt. Specifically, you can mix one tablespoon of salt per cup of cold water, or two cups of water with two teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. It is important to ensure that the cheese is completely covered by the brine.
Making your own brine at home can help extend the shelf life of feta cheese and maintain its soft and crumbly texture. However, it is important to use clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, pre-cutting the cheese into smaller pieces can make it easier to remove from the brine and reduce the risk of contamination.
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Feta cheese should be discarded if mouldy or discoloured
Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavour. It is typically brined during production, which means it is soaked in a saltwater solution. This process preserves the cheese by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. However, it is important to note that feta cheese should be discarded if mouldy or discoloured.
Storing feta cheese in water helps to maintain its moisture and texture, as well as preserving its flavour. Feta cheese has a naturally high moisture content, and storing it in water prevents it from drying out and becoming crumbly. The water acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria from accessing the cheese's surface and causing spoilage. Additionally, the saltwater solution helps to retain the cheese's characteristic salty and tangy flavour.
When storing feta cheese in water, it is important to use cold, filtered water to prevent contamination. The water should be changed regularly to ensure freshness and inhibit bacterial growth. While the saltwater solution helps extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is important to monitor the cheese for any signs of spoilage.
Feta cheese stored in water can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, compared to a few days if stored in the open air. However, if the cheese develops mould, discolouration, or an off smell or taste, it should be discarded immediately. Proper food handling practices should be followed to ensure the safety and quality of the cheese.
In addition to inhibiting bacterial growth and preserving moisture and flavour, storing feta cheese in water also offers convenience. The cheese can be easily drained and crumbled when needed, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. The brine, or salty liquid in which the cheese is soaked, can also be used as a flavour enhancer in cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should change the water in feta cheese if it starts to smell off or sour.
To change the water in feta cheese, first rinse the cheese to remove the layer from its surface. Then, create a saltwater solution by mixing 2 teaspoons of salt per cup of cold water. Make sure the salt is fully dissolved, and then store the feta cheese in the new brine, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered.
There is no specific time limit on how often you should change the water in feta cheese. However, it is recommended to change it if the brine starts to smell off or sour.
It is not recommended to reuse the brine water from feta cheese more than once. While there is no scientific research to support this, it is generally considered unhygienic to reuse brine water multiple times.
