Is it possible to store feta cheese in a freezer: methods and rules for freezing

You can store feta cheese in the freezer if you can’t eat all the stocks until the expiration date. This is an extreme measure, since soft cheese has a worse structure due to cold. The thawed product loses beneficial bacteria, begins to crumble and acquires a watery consistency.

Storage time

In a normal room, soft cheese is not stored for long. In plastic packaging, it saves flavoring characteristics for 24 hours, in brine lasts two days, without brine - 5-6 hours.

In the refrigerator, the shelf life is significantly increased. At a temperature of 1–5 degrees and a humidity of 85–92%, a product in an airtight store container retains freshness for 10 days.

There are several storage methods.

• Wrap cheese by weight, wrap it in foil, place in an enamel container, cover and place on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. There it will not deteriorate in the next 2 weeks.
• You can put small pieces in a plastic container with a lid. The box will not allow the product to dry in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• It is best to keep the feta cheese in a glass jar, filling it with brine and closing it with a plastic lid. If the temperature does not exceed 5 degrees, the cheese stays fresh for about 2 months. After 30 days, do not forget to pour the old pickle, cook a new one and pour into a jar.

Brynza is kept in the freezer for up to 8 months. At any time, you can unfreeze it and use it for cooking.

How to freeze feta cheese?

When freezing soft cheese, keep in mind that its texture will change slightly. Under the influence of cold, microscopic particles of ice are formed inside the feta cheese. After thawing, the product shrinks, crumbles and loses its attractive appearance. It can’t be cut into beautiful slices, but can be used for salad and second courses.

To properly freeze feta cheese, follow simple recommendations:

1. cut the cheese head into slices of 200–250 g;
2. wrap each piece in a towel, foil or parchment;
3. pack in a plastic bag, tie and place in the freezer (you can use bags with a tight fastener);
4. Be sure to write on the container the name of the cheese and the date of freezing.

You can store feta cheese in chopped form. Cut the product into cubes or strips. Cover the tray with parchment, lay out the pieces, cover with a film and put in the freezer for 2-3 hours. When they are completely frozen, remove, transfer to a plastic container, sign and hide in a chamber for storage.

When freezing, it is important to tightly pack the product, otherwise it will absorb foreign odors and become unsuitable for consumption after it thaws.

How to defrost cheese?

If you want the cheese to better retain its structure, do not expose it to sudden temperature changes.

To defrost the feta cheese, remove the serving from the freezer and place it on that shelf of the refrigerator where the temperature varies from 1 to 5 degrees. During the day, the product thaws and can be used for its intended purpose.

Some housewives make a common mistake and put a bag of feta cheese in warm water for quick defrosting. You can’t do this. Under the influence of heat, the cheese becomes tasteless.

How to choose quality cheese?

Brynza is made from sheep, cow or goat milk. During the production process, the fermented milk product is soaked in brine, which gives it a special taste and aroma.To purchase a quality product rich in calcium, protein and vitamins, carefully examine it.

Brynza should be:

• light milky color;
• without extraneous inclusions;
• tight dense consistency.

At the market, ask the seller to cut a slice and make sure that it does not crumble, not stick to the knife. Try a bite. Good feta cheese - salty with a delicate milk taste.

If you need to preserve the freshness of the product for several weeks or months, buy a head soaked in brine. Salt liquid is a kind of preservative, it allows the feta cheese not to spoil for as long as possible without freezing.

Freezing is not the worst way to keep the feta cheese fresh at home for a long time. The cheese will partially lose its delicate aroma and elastic structure, but still remain a useful product for the preparation of delicious dishes.