Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Feta is a traditional cheese that is often preserved in a salty brine solution, which can make it last for up to six months if stored correctly. However, once the feta is removed from the brine, it becomes perishable and should be consumed within a week or two. There are several signs to look out for to determine if your feta has gone bad, such as a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, or noticeable signs of mould growth. To extend the shelf life of feta, some people recommend storing it in olive oil, which adds flavour and prevents the cheese from drying out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese shelf life | Unopened feta can last for up to six months in the fridge. |
| Feta cheese shelf life | Opened feta should be consumed within a week or two. |
| Feta cheese shelf life | Feta in brine can last for up to three months. |
| Feta cheese shelf life | Crumbled feta can last for about a month in the fridge. |
| Feta cheese shelf life | Feta without brine will go bad in a few weeks, even in a fridge. |
| Feta cheese shelf life | Storing feta in olive oil after opening can maintain its freshness for two to three weeks. |
| Indications of bad feta cheese | Yeasty aroma |
| Indications of bad feta cheese | Harsh, unbalanced flavours |
| Indications of bad feta cheese | Noticeable signs of mold growth, such as dark or green discolouration on the cheese |
| Indications of bad feta cheese | Mushy texture or a yellowish tint |
| Storing feta cheese | Use clean utensils when removing cheese from the brine to avoid introducing microbes that encourage spoilage. |
| Storing feta cheese | Store in an airtight container. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese shelf life
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that is often sold in a brine solution, which acts as a preservative. This high-salt environment is the key to keeping feta fresh for longer. When stored correctly in its original container, feta cheese in liquid brine can last for up to six months in the refrigerator. It is important to ensure that the block of cheese is completely submerged in the brine and that no contamination occurs. Contamination can be avoided by always using clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine.
If you find that your feta cheese is not fully covered by brine, you can make your own brine solution to top it up. A simple brine can be made by mixing ½ cup of whole milk, ½ cup of water, 1½ teaspoons of table salt, and ½ teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. The feta should then be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This additional brine will help keep the cheese fresh for longer.
Once the feta cheese is removed from its original brine, its shelf life decreases significantly. Unopened feta cheese in a sealed package can last for up to six months, but once opened, it should be consumed within seven days. One way to extend the shelf life of opened feta cheese is to store it in olive oil, which can maintain its freshness for up to three weeks. The olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. However, it is important to note that olive oil will alter the taste of the feta, giving it a more complex flavour.
Feta cheese that is not stored in brine or olive oil will only last a few weeks in the refrigerator. Crumbled feta, which is often sold without brine, should be treated as a perishable food item and consumed within a few days to a week. Some people choose to freeze their feta cheese to extend its shelf life, but this is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture, making it overly crumbly.
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How to store feta cheese
Feta cheese can be stored in a variety of ways to prolong its freshness. One of the most common methods is to store it in a salt brine solution, which is a combination of water and salt. This not only preserves the cheese but also adds flavour to it. It is important to ensure that the cheese is completely submerged in the brine and that the container is airtight. Feta stored in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly.
If you purchase feta cheese that does not come in brine, or if you have discarded the brine, you can easily make your own brine solution at home. To make a basic brine solution, boil water and add salt, allowing it to cool before pouring it over the feta cheese in a sealed container. It is recommended to use a ratio of 4 cups of water to 1 tablespoon of salt. You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as vinegar, milk, or herbs, to enhance the flavour of the cheese.
Another option for storing feta cheese is to use olive oil. Coating the cheese in olive oil can help to preserve it and also adds a nice flavour. You can also add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the oil for extra taste. However, it is important to note that oil may not have the same preservative effects as brine, and the cheese should still be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Additionally, there are a few things to keep in mind when storing feta cheese to ensure its longevity. Firstly, always use clean utensils when removing cheese from the brine to avoid introducing microbes that can cause spoilage. Secondly, feta cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times, as it is a perishable food item. Lastly, avoid freezing feta cheese, as it can negatively affect the texture, making it overly crumbly.
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Feta cheese in brine
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek dairy product, typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is known for its tangy taste, crumbly texture, and white colour. Feta cheese is often preserved in brine, a mixture of water and salt, which acts as a flavour enhancer and helps maintain the cheese's moisture, firmness, and longevity. The salt in the brine inhibits bacterial growth, ensuring the cheese remains safe to consume over time.
When storing feta cheese in brine, it is important to ensure that the cheese is fully immersed in the brine solution. This can help preserve the cheese for up to a month if refrigerated properly. If the cheese is not fully covered in brine, it can dry out and become too salty over time. To prevent this, additional brine can be made using milk and vinegar to replicate the calcium and acetic acid in commercial brines.
It is also important to use clean and dry utensils when handling the cheese and brine to avoid introducing microbes that could cause spoilage. Additionally, feta cheese in brine can be frozen to further extend its shelf life. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it more suitable for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
Overall, proper storage practices, including the use of brine and refrigeration, are crucial in ensuring that feta cheese maintains its quality and remains safe to consume.
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Signs of bad feta cheese
Feta cheese is a beloved part of Greek cuisine, but like all cheeses, it can go bad. Feta is a brined cheese, and when stored correctly in its original container, it can last for up to six months. However, if it is removed from the brine and not treated with care, it can spoil.
So, what are the signs of bad feta cheese? Firstly, trust your nose. Fresh feta has a mildly tangy and sour odour, but if it starts to smell strong and unpleasant, like ammonia or yeast, it has likely gone bad. This indicates the presence of unwanted bacteria and potential food poisoning risks.
The texture of the cheese is another key indicator. Good feta should be firm and crumbly. If it becomes slimy, sticky, mushy, or overly dry and crumbly, it has spoiled. Discolouration is also a sign of bad feta; if the typical white or ivory colour turns yellow, brown, or green, discard it.
Other signs to look out for include bloating or leaking packaging, which indicates bacterial fermentation, and any harsh, unbalanced flavours. If your feta tastes bitter or rancid, it has gone past its prime. Remember, always check the expiration date and store your feta properly to maximise its longevity.
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Freezing feta cheese
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese known for its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. While it is a versatile and delicious ingredient, it can be tricky to store and has a relatively short shelf life compared to some other cheeses. Freezing feta cheese can be a useful way to extend its lifespan and ensure it doesn't go to waste. Here's a guide to doing it properly and safely:
First, it's important to note that freezing feta cheese will alter its texture. Feta is a delicate cheese, and freezing and thawing it will cause it to become drier and crumblier. However, it will still retain its flavour, and frozen feta is perfect for cooking and adding to dishes where its texture won't be a primary concern. Start by placing the feta in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It's best to portion it into quantities you're likely to use at one time, as you shouldn't refreeze feta cheese once thawed. Make sure to label the container with the date, as feta can be safely frozen for up to 4 months. When you're ready to use the frozen feta, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Place it in a bowl or container to catch any excess liquid that may leak out as it thaws. The thawed feta will be softer and crumblier than fresh feta, so it's best used in cooked dishes like omelettes, quiches, or pasta dishes, or added to salads where its texture will be less noticeable.
Tips for optimal freezing and thawing:
Use feta cheese that is still within its shelf life and hasn't started to spoil. Fresh feta will yield better results after freezing and thawing. Drain any excess brine before freezing. You can also rinse the feta gently and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess salt. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of feta to prevent the pieces from freezing together and making it harder to separate the portions. You can also freeze feta crumbles to make it easier to use smaller amounts as needed. If you plan to use the feta as a topping or filling, you don't need to thaw it first. You can sprinkle frozen feta crumbles directly onto pizzas, salads, or baked dishes and let them melt and cook directly from frozen.
In conclusion, freezing feta cheese is a simple and effective way to extend the lifespan of this delicious but perishable cheese. While it will alter the texture, frozen feta still has a variety of culinary uses and can be a handy ingredient to have on hand to add flavour and richness to your favourite dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese can last up to six months if it is unopened and stored correctly in its original container, completely submerged in brine. Once opened, it is best consumed within one to two weeks.
Feta cheese that has gone bad will have a yeasty aroma, similar to proofed bread dough. It will also taste overly piquant, bitter, rancid, or otherwise unbalanced. Additionally, noticeable signs of mold growth, such as dark or green discoloration on the cheese, indicate spoilage.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in olive oil after opening. The olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This can maintain the freshness of the cheese for up to three weeks.
The best way to store feta cheese is to keep it completely submerged in brine, ensuring that the container is clean and dry to avoid introducing microbes that can cause spoilage. If you are using crumbled feta, it can be stored in its original container without any trouble.
