Unlock the salty secrets of feta: discover the easiest way to make it less salty

Feta cheese, with its crumbly texture and tangy flavor, is a beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine. However, its high salt content can sometimes overpower dishes, leaving you craving a more balanced taste. If you find yourself faced with overly salty feta, fear not! Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make feta cheese less salty, ensuring you enjoy its deliciousness without the overpowering saltiness.

1. Soaking the Feta

The simplest and most effective method to reduce the saltiness of feta cheese is by soaking it in water. Follow these steps:

• Place the feta cheese in a bowl or container.
• Cover it with cold water.
• Let it soak for several hours, up to overnight.
• Change the water every few hours to remove dissolved salt.

2. Milk Bath

Another gentle way to desalinate feta is by soaking it in milk. Milk contains proteins that bind to the salt ions, reducing their concentration.

• Submerge the feta in a bowl of cold milk.
• Let it soak for 2-4 hours.
• Change the milk as needed to ensure maximum salt removal.

3. Rinsing with Vinegar

Vinegar’s acidity helps neutralize the alkalinity of salt, making it less noticeable.

• Fill a bowl with cold water.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar.
• Submerge the feta in the vinegar solution.
• Let it soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Rinsing with Salt Water

If the feta is excessively salty, you can counterbalance it by rinsing it with a weaker salt solution.

• Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of cold water.
• Submerge the feta in the salt water solution.
• Let it soak for 15-30 minutes.

5. Blanching

Blanching involves briefly boiling the feta to remove excess salt.

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add the feta and let it blanch for 30-60 seconds.
• Immediately remove the feta and plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

6. Freezing and Thawing

Freezing and thawing the feta can also help reduce its saltiness.

• Wrap the feta in plastic wrap and freeze it for several hours.
• Thaw the feta in the refrigerator overnight.
• The salt will redistribute during the freezing and thawing process, resulting in a less salty cheese.

7. Using Less Salty Feta

If all else fails, you can opt for feta cheese that is naturally less salty. Look for brands that specifically label their products as “low-sodium” or “reduced-sodium.”

Tips for Using Desalted Feta

• Blot the feta dry with paper towels before using it to prevent wateriness.
• Add desalted feta to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes to enhance their flavor without overpowering them.
• Crumble desalted feta over grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes for a salty yet balanced topping.

FAQ

Q: How long can I soak feta cheese to reduce its saltiness?
A: The soaking time depends on the desired level of desalinization. For a mild reduction, soak for 2-4 hours. For a more significant reduction, soak overnight.

Q: Can I use hot water to soak feta cheese?
A: No, hot water can make the feta cheese rubbery and tough. Always use cold water for soaking.

Q: How do I know when the feta cheese is desalted enough?
A: Taste the feta after soaking. If it still tastes too salty, soak it for a longer period.