Salinity of brine for feta storage
The feta package I bought does not have enough liquid to cover the cheese once opened. I would like make a brine to cover the block of cheese. How saline does the brine have to be to store feta? How long can I store feta with respect to (a reasonable) salinity? (I assume a brine with water is sufficient. Or am I wrong? Some websites mention, milk, whey, yogurt, vinegar.)
After my quick research I've seen ranges from 2% to fully saturated brine. 2% seem too little to me conserve it such that feta could be stored longer than plain water (=a couple days).
Best Answer
Feta is very salty. Recipes I've used called for a brine of around 12%.
Water is fine. When making feta from scratch it helps if the brine is a little bit acidic so the surface of the cheese doesn't soften. It might not be an issue when replacing brine for finished cheese.
https://fankhauserblog.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/feta-cheese/
I've had my own still be good after a month in the fridge before it was all eaten. I would be surprised if it wouldn't keep for 6 months or more. It is a soft cheese and when it is removed from the brine it only gets about a week in the fridge.
This answer: https://cooking.stackexchange.com/a/24152/2001
Suggests that you can put feta in a brine or milk for up to 3 months.
Yours was partially exposed to the air and then will be re-submerged. My suspicion is that the brine will be strong enough to prevent spoilage but there are so many variables in your case that I doubt we'll find a definitive answer.
Pictures about "Salinity of brine for feta storage"
How long does feta keep in brine?
To maximize the shelf life of feta cheese in brine after opening, keep the feta covered in brine; if additional brine is needed, mix one pound of salt (preferably kosher) with one gallon of water. Properly stored, an opened package of feta cheese in brine will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.Does feta keep better in brine?
Brine is the key to a chunk-free whipped feta dip. No matter whether you're crumbling, blending, melting, or slicing your feta, it'll be better if it's been chilling in a vat of salt water. If you don't believe us, just try it in a whipped feta dip, a chopped salad, or a bean and escarole stew.How should feta be stored?
How to Store. Feta should always be protected from exposure to air which will cause it to dry out and will cause the taste to sharpen or sour. Store in brine: Feta is often sold in blocks packed in a brine solution (heavily salted water). It can be kept refrigerated, covered with the brine, for quite a long time.How do you store feta in brine?
You can easily save the remaining cheese by making your own brine. Just combine 2 cups water with 2 tsp. kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. Store the leftover feta in the brine, making sure the cheese is covered completely.How to Store Feta : Greek Recipes
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