Can You Freeze Feta Cheese?
Feta is a Greek specialty cheese that has a distinctive salty flavor and a dazzling white appearance. This cheese is one of the most popular varieties of cheese and is usually made from goat milk or sheep milk. You must be using feta in your meals, especially salads, right? The crumbly consistency of the cheese makes it a perfect addition to your meals.
Feta cheese is widely available on the market. However, some stores prefer to sell large blocks or pre-crumbled chunks of the same. They tend to turn dry and tangy within a week when stored at room temperature. And, you would not want your feta to spoil.
Also, buying feta cheese in single servings can be a little expensive. So, you must be wondering, if you can store feta for a longer time. What can you do to achieve that? Can you freeze feta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze feta cheese. But you must make sure that you are freezing fresh feta. Otherwise, it might show flavor alterations. This is because feta tends to turn tangy when stored for a time. So, freeze them before the cheese goes bad.
How To Freeze Feta Cheese?
How to freeze feta cheese? Freezing feta cheese is quite easy. But you need to ensure you are following the freezing techniques properly. Otherwise, you might end up spoiling the cheese. There are two ways of freezing the cheese: feta can be frozen in whole blocks or crumbled.
Check out both ways of freezing feta in the section below.
Freezing Feta Cheese Blocks
Freezing blocks of feta cheese needs a few preparations. This is because they come in liquid which keeps the cheese fresh, smooth, and soft. And while freezing, you will not need the liquid. Also, before freezing decide on what size of block you can freeze. It is recommended to freeze larger blocks for best results.
Check out the step-by-step guide to freezing feta blocks.
- Drain out the liquid from the cheese and let it dry completely. You can also use a soft cloth or paper towel to pat the extra liquid dry.
- Do not squeeze out water forcefully, as you might break the cheese blocks apart. Do it gently, and some liquid will not do any harm.
- The next step is to wrap the cheese blocks individually in plastic wrap. This will help keep the cheese away from air exposure. You can even double-wrap the blocks.
- Transfer the wrapped feta into airtight containers or ziplock bags. Though both will work, it is advised to use rigid containers to protect the cheese better.
- Label and date the containers, seal them adequately and place them into the freezer for freezing.
Freezing Feta Cheese Crumbles
Freezing feta cheese crumbles is an easy 3-step process and can be done quickly. Check out the steps below.
- Spread the cheese crumbles on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or aluminum foil. Create an even layer and separate the lumps, if any.
- Let the cheese dry and solidify. If there are too many crumbles, try separating them into portions for freezing. You can flash-freeze the crumbs for better results.
- Transfer the feta crumbles into freezer-safe ziplock bags or airtight containers. Make sure they are sealed properly. Label the packages and the cheese is ready to freeze.
How Long Can You Keep Feta Cheese Frozen?
Freezing increases the shelf-life of feta cheese by up to 3-4 months. Remember that you follow the freezing guidelines properly to preserve your feta cheese. It is said that feta cheese can be frozen for longer periods.
However, if you keep feta cheese in the freezer longer than 4 months, it will lose its salty flavor. It might also show changes in the texture. Therefore, it is best if you consume the frozen feta within 3-4 months of freezing.
Does Feta Cheese Freeze Well?
Well, feta is not among the cheeses that freeze nicely. This is because, after a certain period, the cheese will alter its flavor and texture. The freshness of the feta cheese is lost in the process. Though you can freeze feta, it might also affect the consistency after a time.
Also, feta cheese shows slight alterations in its flavor and texture, even if you freeze it for 3-4 months. Therefore, it is recommended to use frozen feta cheese as soon as possible. Freezing is still a better option, than letting the cheese rot at normal temperatures.
What Happens To The Texture And Flavor Of Feta Cheese When Frozen?
The texture of feta cheese usually changes as it freezes and then defrosts. You will find, it turns out, a little more brittle than fresh feta. However, this will not be the case if you freeze the crumbles of the cheese.
Blocks of feta come in a liquid that preserves the softness and creamy texture of the cheese. But you remove the liquid for freezing the cheese, which causes dryness when frozen. This makes the cheese crystallize, thus affecting the texture.
Feta cheese is distinguished for its slightly salty flavor. But the processes of freezing and then defrosting tend to diminish this tart flavor. Additionally, some of its saltiness will be lost. Therefore, it is said that freezing affects the flavor of feta cheese.
How Can You Defrost Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese should be defrosted slowly and naturally. Rushing the process will only hamper the flavor and texture. For defrosting feta cheese, all you have to do is remove it from the freezer and put it in the refrigerator. Allow it to defrost for at least 12 hours or overnight.
You can also submerge the frozen blocks of feta cheese into a bowl of cold water for defrosting. Whichever process you apply, make sure the cheese turns soft enough to be used further.
Can You Refreeze Feta Cheese?
Refreezing feta cheese is not at all recommended. This is because refreezing will only ruin the texture and thus spoil your cheese. Also, it will not refreeze well. However, if you think you have a big batch of feta cheese, try freezing them in portions.
Summing it up, that was all about freezing feta cheese. You can freeze feta cheese, but remember to follow specific guidelines to preserve your cheese for the best results.