Bushra Griffith
Crumbled feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece, made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. It is brined to impart a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Crumbled feta cheese has a high salt content, which helps to preserve it. However, due to its crumbled form, it has a large surface area exposed to the air, which can cause it to go bad faster than blocks of feta cheese. So, does crumbled feta cheese go bad, and how can its shelf life be extended?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of unopened feta | Up to six months |
| Shelf life of opened feta | 3-7 days |
| Extending shelf life | Store in olive oil, brine, or freeze |
| Signs of spoilage | Fuzzy green mould, sour taste, pungent smell, or smell reminiscent of yeast or dough |
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What You'll Learn
How long does crumbled feta cheese last?
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk and is brined to create a distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Crumbled feta cheese has a longer shelf life than other varieties due to its curing and high salt content, which acts as a natural preservative.
When unopened, crumbled feta cheese can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, once opened, its shelf life decreases significantly. Some sources suggest that it can last for up to two months in the fridge, while others recommend consuming it within one to two weeks of opening. The discrepancy in these recommendations may be due to differences in the cheese's exposure to air, as crumbled cheese has a larger surface area that can accelerate spoilage. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the cheese for any signs of deterioration.
To extend the shelf life of crumbled feta cheese, it can be stored in olive oil, which can maintain its freshness for up to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier that protects the cheese from external contaminants, delaying spoilage. Additionally, feta cheese can be frozen, although it may be more challenging to freeze when crumbled. Freezing feta cheese involves mixing water with salt, adding the feta, and then storing it in a sealed container.
It is important to note that feta cheese should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge, and it should be consumed within three to four days of purchase, as it is meant to be eaten fresh. When checking for spoilage, indicators such as mold, a sour taste, or a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough suggest that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.
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Storing feta cheese
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a high salt content. When exposed to air, feta cheese starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. Therefore, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavour. Here are some tips for storing feta cheese:
Feta cheese is often packaged in brine, a combination of water and salt. Brine acts as a flavouring agent and preservative, maintaining the cheese's texture and flavour. If your feta doesn't come packaged in brine, you can make your own by combining water and salt in varying ratios. Store the feta cheese in the brine, ensuring it is completely covered. If you prefer less salty feta, you can store it in plain water. Change the brine or water every two weeks, and always use a secure container to prevent spills.
Another option for extending the shelf life of feta cheese is to store it in olive oil after opening. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier, protecting the cheese from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This method can maintain the freshness of feta cheese for two to three weeks. However, olive oil may alter the taste of the cheese, so it is important to use it sparingly and monitor the cheese for any signs of spoilage.
Storing Crumbled Feta Cheese:
If you have crumbled feta cheese, you can store it in a similar manner as block feta. However, its shelf life will be shorter, and it is more susceptible to mould growth. One option is to freeze crumbled feta, which works well for cooked dishes, although the smell and taste may change noticeably over time. Always use your senses to determine if the cheese has gone bad; if it smells fine and looks fine, it is most likely safe to consume.
General Storage Tips:
When storing feta cheese, ensure that it is kept in the refrigerator. Avoid placing it in areas of the fridge that are too cold, as this can affect the quality of the cheese. Additionally, periodically check the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth or a noticeable change in smell or taste. Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of feta cheese and maintain its flavour and texture.
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Freezing crumbled feta cheese
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can be challenging to use up an entire block before it goes bad. Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of feta cheese, including crumbled feta cheese. Here is a detailed guide on freezing crumbled feta cheese:
Preparing the Feta Cheese for Freezing
Before freezing crumbled feta cheese, it is crucial to address the issue of moisture. Water forms crystals when frozen, which can negatively affect the texture and taste of the cheese. To prevent this, use a clean paper towel to pat the cheese dry. This step is especially important if the feta cheese is in brine, a salt and water solution that helps maintain freshness and flavour. If your feta cheese is in brine, drain and discard the brine before proceeding with the drying process.
Choosing a Storage Container
Once the cheese is dry, it's time to select an appropriate storage container. You can use cling film, vacuum-sealed bags, or resealable freezer bags. If you opt for a bag, try to maximise the amount of cheese in each bag and minimise air exposure by squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. You can also use a vacuum sealer to remove the air from the bag. Minimising air exposure is crucial to preventing freezer burn and extending the shelf life of the cheese.
Freezing Process
After preparing the cheese and choosing the right container, it's time to freeze the crumbled feta cheese. Spread the crumbles out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once the cheese is frozen solid, you can transfer the frozen crumbles to your chosen storage container and return them to the freezer. This two-step process ensures that the cheese freezes evenly and reduces the risk of clumping.
Shelf Life and Thawing Instructions
When stored properly, crumbled feta cheese can be expected to maintain its quality in the freezer for 45 to 60 days. After that, it may start to develop freezer burn and the flavour and texture may deteriorate. When you're ready to use the cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. It is not recommended to thaw feta cheese at room temperature.
Changes in Texture and Taste
It is important to note that freezing crumbled feta cheese will likely result in an even more fragmented texture when it is thawed. The cheese may become drier and crumblier, making it less suitable for fresh salads. However, this finer texture can work well in cooked dishes like casseroles, stews, or quinoa salads where the cheese is mixed in with other ingredients. The freezing process may also alter the taste of the cheese, making it less salty and tangy. If you find the flavour too bland after thawing, you can try soaking the cheese in brine to restore some of its original flavours.
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Signs of spoilage
Crumbled feta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or two after opening. However, it's important to periodically check for signs of spoilage as it can go bad faster than you might think due to its high surface area exposed to air. Here are some signs that your crumbled feta cheese has gone bad:
Visible mold
Mold is a common sign of spoilage in cheese. If you spot any visible mold on your crumbled feta cheese, it's best to discard it. The mold on crumbled feta cheese is often described as a greenish fuzz that forms on the surface.
Unpleasant smell
A strong, unpleasant smell can indicate that your crumbled feta cheese has gone bad. This may include a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough, indicating the presence of unwanted microbial growth.
Sour or pungent taste
Feta cheese naturally has a tangy and salty taste due to the brining process. However, if your crumbled feta cheese tastes very sour or overly pungent, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Dryness
Feta cheese is meant to be consumed fresh and can dry out over time. If your crumbled feta cheese becomes excessively dry, it may not be suitable for consumption.
Bitter taste
If feta cheese is not stored properly, it can become exposed to air and dry out, leading to a bitter taste. This is more likely to occur if the cheese is not stored in a sealed container or if the brine solution is not maintained.
It's important to note that proper storage can help extend the shelf life of crumbled feta cheese. Storing it in a sealed container with a brine solution or covering it with olive oil can effectively delay spoilage.
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Extending the shelf life of crumbled feta cheese
Crumbled feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from salads to pastas and baked goods. However, like any ingredient, it's important to understand how to maximise its potential and avoid wastage.
Firstly, it is important to note that unopened feta cheese can last for up to six months in the fridge, but once opened, it should be consumed within one week. If you're looking to extend the shelf life of your crumbled feta cheese, one simple yet effective method is to store it in olive oil. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes, thereby delaying spoilage. This can maintain the freshness of feta cheese for up to two to three weeks.
When choosing the type of olive oil, consider that extra virgin olive oil will impart a robust, peppery flavour, while ultra-refined or light olive oil will result in a milder, more neutral taste. Regardless of the type chosen, storing the cheese in olive oil will alter the texture, creating a creamy mouthfeel and preventing it from drying out.
To ensure the success of this method, use an airtight container or jar to minimise air exposure, as air can expedite spoilage. Additionally, periodically check your cheese for signs of spoilage, as even with proper storage, feta cheese can still go bad. Indicators of spoilage include a noticeable change in colour, an off-white solid appearance, the development of mould, or an unpleasant smell reminiscent of yeast or dough.
Another option for extending the shelf life of crumbled feta cheese is to freeze it. Frozen cheese crumbles can last for up to six months, providing a convenient way to enjoy this versatile ingredient over a more extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
Crumbled feta cheese lasts for about a week in the fridge. However, some sources suggest that it can last for up to two weeks.
You can extend the shelf life of crumbled feta cheese by storing it in olive oil or brine. This can maintain its freshness for two to three weeks.
Yes, crumbled feta cheese can be frozen. However, it may be harder to freeze than a block of feta cheese, and freezing may affect its texture and flavour.
Crumbled feta cheese has likely gone bad if it has developed mould or has a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough.
It is best to store crumbled feta cheese in a sealed glass or ceramic container in the fridge.
