Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a soft and crumbly aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. Feta cheese that is unopened and refrigerated can be good for a few weeks beyond the expiration date. However, once the feta block is opened, it needs to be consumed within a few days or stored in brine to extend its shelf life. Feta cheese submerged in brine can last for about a month, while feta stored in oil can last for up to six months. It's important to note that feta cheese can go bad and develop mold, a strong odour, discolouration, or a bitter taste, which indicates that it should be discarded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | A few months to a year |
| Storage | Refrigeration, airtight containers, plastic wrap, freezer bags, brine |
| Spoilage signs | Slime, crumbling, discolouration, strong odour, mould |
| Taste | Feta may taste too salty if stored in brine |
| Texture | Feta may become oozy, mushy, dry or hard |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese shelf life
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a long shelf life. An unopened container or block retains quality for a few weeks beyond the expiration date. If stored correctly, feta cheese can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, once opened, this timeframe shortens to only five to seven days.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, you can store it in brine or olive oil. Submerging feta in brine can increase its shelf life to about a month. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and as long as the cheese is fully submerged, it will be protected from outside contaminants. However, brine will make the cheese saltier over time.
Another option is to store the feta in olive oil, which can maintain its freshness for two to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. Additionally, the olive oil will impart a more complex flavour to the cheese. However, it is important to note that olive oil will alter the taste of the feta cheese, and it should not be consumed if it develops a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough.
If you are storing feta cheese in brine, it is important to ensure that the brine is always covering the cheese. If the brine level drops, you can make your own brine by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of water. Additionally, always use clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine to avoid introducing microbes that could encourage spoilage.
It is also important to inspect the feta cheese for any signs of spoilage. Mould, discolouration, and an off-smell are indications that the cheese is no longer safe to consume. Additionally, if the feta block becomes slimy or starts to crumble on its own, it has passed its prime.
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How to store feta cheese
Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and it can be stored in various ways to keep it fresh. The first step is to determine whether your feta cheese is a block or crumbles.
Storing Feta Cheese Blocks:
If you have an unopened block of feta cheese, it can be stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator. However, once the block is opened and you have leftovers, you have a few options. If you plan to use the leftover feta within a few days, you can wrap it with plastic wrap or store it in a freezer bag or airtight container.
For longer-term storage, creating a brine solution is recommended. Brine is a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it its salty flavour. To make your own brine, use one teaspoon of salt per cup of water, ensuring there is enough solution to cover the feta block entirely. Place the block in an airtight container, cover it with the brine, seal, and store in the refrigerator. With this method, your feta cheese can last for about a month.
Storing Crumbled Feta Cheese:
Crumbled feta cheese can also be stored in the refrigerator, and you have a few options to maintain its freshness. One method is to create a brine solution, as previously described, and ensure that the crumbles are fully submerged. Another option is to store the crumbles in olive oil, which can add extra flavour to your feta. Simply cut the cheese into cubes, place them in a storage container, and cover them with extra virgin olive oil. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Additionally, freezing is an option for storing crumbled feta cheese. This method is suitable for use in recipes like pasta, spanakopita, quiche, or pizza. To freeze, place the crumbled feta in resealable bags and store for up to three months.
It is important to note that feta cheese should be consumed within a reasonable timeframe, as it can spoil over extended periods. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or an off-smell, before consuming.
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Signs of spoilage
Feta cheese is a soft and crumbly cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. It is an aged cheese that is often sold in brine or milk bath, which helps to extend its shelf life. However, like all cheeses, feta can spoil, and it is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it.
One of the most common signs of spoilage in feta cheese is the presence of mould. Feta is a moist cheese, and mould can easily permeate it. If you see any mould on your feta cheese, it is important to discard it immediately. Another sign of spoilage is discolouration. If the feta cheese has developed any dark spots or areas on the surface, it is not safe to consume.
In addition to mould and discolouration, spoilt feta cheese may also exhibit changes in texture. If your feta cheese has become slimy or starts to crumble easily, it is past its prime. It may also dry out and become harder, or it may become oozing and mushy. If your feta cheese has any of these texture changes, it is best to discard it.
Another indicator of spoilage in feta cheese is an off smell. Feta cheese typically has a slightly acidic odour, but if this odour becomes stronger or takes on a yeasty, unpleasant note, it is likely that the cheese has spoiled. A bitter taste can also indicate spoilage.
If you are unsure whether your feta cheese has spoiled, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Discard the cheese if you notice any visible changes, unusual odours, or unpleasant tastes. It is important to remember that even feta cheese stored in brine or milk bath can spoil over time, so regular checks are necessary to ensure its freshness.
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Freezing feta cheese
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. It can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer to extend its life. Freezing feta cheese is a good option if you have more feta than you can use. However, it is important to note that freezing will affect the texture and taste of the cheese.
When freezing feta cheese, it is recommended to cut it into appropriate sizes for later use as it will be difficult to cut the cheese precisely once it is frozen. It is also important to minimize air exposure by sealing the cheese tightly. One way to do this is by vacuum sealing the cheese. If you are freezing a large amount of feta, it is recommended to freeze it in portions that you will use for one to three meals so you don't end up thawing too much at once.
Feta cheese can be frozen in its brine or dry. Brine is a solution of salt and water that helps to maintain the freshness and flavor of the cheese. If you choose to freeze the cheese in brine, it is important to note that the acidity level of the feta will change if it is frozen and defrosted within the brine. In this case, it may be better to pour off the brine and vacuum seal the cheese.
If you are freezing dry feta cheese, you can blot the cheese with a towel first to absorb any excess water. Then, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn. It is also recommended to squeeze out any excess air from the bag to maintain freshness.
The length of time that frozen feta cheese lasts depends on how it is stored. Feta cheese frozen in brine can last up to three months, while dry feta cheese can last 45-60 days before experiencing freezer burn.
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Feta cheese and food safety
Feta cheese is a soft and crumbly cheese with a long shelf life. An unopened container or block can retain quality for a few weeks beyond the expiration date. However, once opened, feta cheese should be consumed within a week if stored in brine and a few days if stored without brine. If you need to store it for longer, you can submerge it in brine, which will significantly extend its shelf life.
To make your own brine, mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of water, ensuring the solution covers the leftover block entirely in an airtight container. This will help prevent the growth of mold and keep the cheese from drying out.
It is important to inspect feta cheese before consumption, regardless of the expiration date. Spoiled feta cheese will have a noticeable yeasty or unpleasant odor, a bitter taste, and may exhibit signs of mold. While some cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the moldy parts, this is not recommended for feta cheese.
Some people have reported consuming feta cheese months after the expiration date without any issues, but this is not recommended due to the potential risk of contamination. It is always better to be cautious and inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption.
Proper storage of feta cheese is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. It should be stored in the refrigerator, and once opened, it should be wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese is a perishable food and will get old.
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. An unopened container or block can retain quality for a couple of weeks beyond the printed expiration date. Once opened, feta stored in brine will keep for up to a week in the fridge, while non-brined feta may last only a few days.
There are several signs that indicate that feta cheese has gone bad:
- Mold: Unlike some other cheeses, feta is a moist cheese, and mold easily permeates it.
- Discoloration: Dark spots or areas on the surface indicate that the cheese is not safe to eat.
- Smell: A slightly acidic odor is normal for feta, but if it becomes much stronger, the cheese has likely gone bad.
- Texture: If the feta becomes slimy or starts to crumble on its own, it is past its prime.
Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can significantly alter the texture and taste.
Storing feta cheese in brine, a solution of salt and water, is the best way to extend its shelf life. When submerged in brine, feta can last for about a month or even up to three months.
