Ethan Clarke
Feta is a staple in many kitchens and is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps. However, keeping it fresh and preventing it from spoiling can be a challenge. Once opened, feta can dry out or spoil quickly, so it is important to know how to store it properly. Feta is traditionally stored in brine, a solution of salt dissolved in water. Storing feta in an airtight plastic container with brine can help it last for several weeks to a month.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container type | Airtight container |
| Container material | Plastic, glass or stainless steel |
| Storage location | Refrigerator |
| Storage duration | 5-7 days without brine, 3-4 weeks with brine, 6 months in freezer |
| Brine ingredients | Water and salt |
| Brine preparation | Dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in 1-2 cups of water |
| Brine storage | Change brine every few days |
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What You'll Learn
Feta should be stored in the fridge
Feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and blue cheese are more perishable than other types of cheese. Soft cheeses should not be kept outside of the fridge for more than two hours. This is because their high moisture content makes them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Therefore, feta should be stored in the fridge.
Feta should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, with the brine being changed every few days. If you don't think you will eat it within a few days, it can be put in the freezer for longer-term storage, where it can last for up to six months.
Feta is often sold in brine, a cloudy liquid that is a combination of water and salt. The brine both flavours and preserves the cheese. If you throw out the brine or buy feta that doesn't come in brine, you can make your own by combining two cups of water with two teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. The brine also serves as the flavouring agent that gives feta its salty taste, so if the feta is already very salty, simply storing it in plain water will help maintain its texture without adding extra flavour.
If you don't want to make brine, you can store feta in plain water, changing the water every two weeks. However, if you do not cover the cheese completely, it will dry out and become sharply sour.
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Use an airtight container
Feta is a soft cheese that is traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk and is often cured and stored in brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water. Once opened, feta can dry out or spoil quickly, so it is important to know how to store it properly.
To keep feta cheese fresh for a long time, make a simple brine with water and salt and store the cheese in it. This is because when feta is exposed to the air, it starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. However, just like when making and storing pickles, the brine—a combination of water and salt—both flavours and preserves the cheese.
To make your own brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 cup of water in an airtight container, then submerge the cheese in the water. The feta must be completely covered, so make more brine if you don't have enough. Seal the container and refrigerate it. The feta will keep for up to 3 weeks.
If you don't eat cheese often, it is recommended to change out the water every second week or so. If stored in brine, feta will last for about a month.
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Make your own brine
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to store. If you don't use it all at once, you might be wondering how to keep it fresh. The answer is brine—a simple combination of water and salt.
Making your own brine is easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Water
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt, not table salt)
Instructions:
- Start by dissolving salt in water. The water should be at room temperature, and you'll need enough salt to create a solution that can float a raw chicken egg. If you're measuring, a ratio of 2 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt is a good starting point.
- If you're having trouble dissolving the salt, try heating half of the water first. Dissolve the salt in the warm water, then combine it with the remaining cold water.
- Cut your feta cheese into cubes or smaller rectangular pieces. This will make it easier to fit in your container and remove when you're ready to eat.
- Place the feta pieces in the brine solution, ensuring that all surfaces of the cheese are covered.
- Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. Your feta will now stay fresh for 3-4 weeks.
- When you're ready to use the feta, remove the cubes from the brine, rinse them under water, and enjoy!
A few additional tips:
- If you find your brine is too salty, you can try adding sugar to balance the taste.
- If your feta is already very salty, you can store it in plain water to preserve its texture without adding more saltiness.
- If you're not planning to use the feta within a few days, consider freezing it for longer-term storage.
- Change the brine every few days to keep it fresh.
Now you know how to make your own brine, you can enjoy fresh, tasty feta for weeks!
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Feta lasts 5-7 days in the fridge
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can improve the flavour of many recipes. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. Feta has a high moisture content and a unique composition, making it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. Therefore, storing feta cheese properly in the fridge is essential to preserving its freshness, flavour, and texture.
If you have an unopened block of feta cheese, it is perfectly fine to leave it in its original packaging in the refrigerator. Unopened feta in brine can last longer than feta stored without brine. The brine, a combination of water and salt, flavours and preserves the cheese. It helps to maintain the moisture of the feta, and the airtight seal minimises air exposure, reducing the risk of mould growth.
However, once you cut open the block and have leftovers, you need to decide how to store them. If you expect to use the cheese within 5 to 7 days, you can wrap the cheese with plastic wrap or put it into an airtight container. If you'd like to store it for longer, you should submerge it in brine, which can be purchased or made by combining water and salt. The brine will help keep the cheese moist and fresh for longer.
Alternatively, you can also freeze feta cheese to extend its shelf life. To do this, remove the feta from its packaging, pat it dry, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen feta will keep for up to three months, but the freeze-thaw process may alter its texture and flavour.
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Don't use plastic wrap
Feta is a soft, white crumbly cheese traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is often cured and stored in brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water.
Once opened, feta can dry out or spoil quickly, so it is important to know how to store it properly. One way to do this is by using a brine solution, which can be made by dissolving salt in water. However, it is important to note that feta should not be stored in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. While plastic wrap can be used for other cheeses like cheddar, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, it is not suitable for feta.
Feta should be stored in an airtight container, with the brine being changed every few days. The brine will help keep the cheese firm and flavourful, and it will last for several weeks to a month. If you are not going to eat it within a few days, put it in the freezer for longer-term storage, where it can last for up to six months.
If you don't have brine, another option is to wrap the feta in a damp paper towel and store it in a container. This method will keep the feta fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta should be stored in an airtight container and covered with brine to prevent it from drying out. You can use a plastic container as long as it is airtight.
Brine is a solution of salt dissolved in water. It is what feta is traditionally cured and stored in.
To make brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in 1 cup of water. You can use kosher salt, sea salt, or table salt, although table salt may affect the texture of the cheese.
Feta stored in brine will last for about a month in the refrigerator.
