How to Store Feta Cheese

It's easy to store feta cheese properly and extend its shelf life.

Food has evolved greatly from ancient times, when different cultures had their own very separate ingredients and preparation methods. Nowadays, not only are we aware of the distinct cuisines of different cultures, we have adopted many of their techniques and recipes, often using them to create new styles of cooking that incorporate those influences. Feta cheese, hailing from Greece, has a mild salty taste and is soft and supple in consistency. You can use it in a classic Greek dish or make up your own modern recipe to complement its flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag
• Plastic wrap
• Airtight container
• Milk
• Kosher salt
• Water

Instructions

1. Buy feta cheese that is still in its brine. If you buy fresh feta, you will be able to take it directly from the brine in which it is bathed. If you buy packaged feta, look for a package that has some brine in the container with the cheese.

2. Place the feta cheese in a paper bag and wrap it in plastic wrap until you are ready to use it. Do not replace the paper bag, even when it becomes saturated with the moisture in the cheese.

3. Store the cheese in a brine or milk bath if you do not intend to use it for a long period of time. A milk bath will result in a creamier, softer taste, while brine will add depth to the cheese and retain its pleasant saltiness. To make brine, mix 1 lb. of kosher salt in 1 gallon of water.

4. Place the feta into an airtight container and cover it with the brine or milk.

5. Cover the container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to three months.

Tips & Warnings

• Freeze feta in airtight packaging and use it for crumbling into salads after defrosting.

• If the freshness of the cheese is questionable, do not buy it.

References

• Professor's House: Feta Cheese