Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a tasty addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to know how long it will last. Feta is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. An unopened block of feta is fine in its original packaging, but once opened, it will only last about 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly and refrigerated. Submerging feta in brine can extend its life by up to a month, and some sources say that unopened feta stored in brine can last up to six months. However, feta cheese can go bad, and spoiled feta can be identified by its rubbery texture, bitter taste, and unpleasant yeasty smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage time | Feta cheese can be stored for up to six months if kept in brine. Dry feta can last for about a week before turning bitter and going bad. Unopened feta can be stored for a few weeks beyond the expiration date. |
| Spoilage | Feta cheese is spoiled when it becomes slimy, develops an unpleasant odor, or tastes bitter. Mold growth is also a sign of spoilage, but some people still consume it. |
| Freezing | Freezing feta cheese changes its texture and may alter its taste. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese shelf life
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that is often sold in a container of brine, a classic preservation method that keeps the cheese fresh for longer. Unopened feta stored in brine can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, once the feta is exposed to air by opening the container or removing the cheese from the brine, it has a much shorter shelf life of around one week.
There are several signs that feta cheese has gone bad. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of mould or slime on the cheese or in the brine. Feta cheese that has gone bad may also have an unpleasant, yeasty smell reminiscent of dough, or a harsh, unbalanced flavour that is overly bitter or pungent. Trust your nose and taste buds—if the feta smells or tastes unpleasant, it has likely gone bad.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be stored in olive oil after opening, 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, olive oil will alter the taste of the feta cheese, giving it a more complex flavour by absorbing the aromatic compounds present in the oil.
Freezing feta cheese is not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture and taste. However, some people choose to freeze crumbled feta, as it preserves the cheese in its original condition and can be easily scooped out without thawing.
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Signs of spoilage
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but like all cheeses, it has a shelf life and can spoil if not stored properly. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your feta cheese has gone bad:
Texture: One of the first signs of spoilage in feta cheese is a change in texture. Fresh feta should be slightly crumbly but still moist and creamy. If the cheese becomes excessively dry, hard, and crumbly, or if it develops a thick, sticky, or slimy texture, it is likely past its prime.
Colour: Feta cheese typically has a white or cream colour. If you notice any discolouration, such as dark spots, mould, or a yellow or brown tint, it indicates spoilage. The presence of mould, especially in clumps or multiple spots, is a clear sign that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded.
Odour: Fresh feta cheese has a pleasant, tangy, and slightly salty odour. If the cheese develops a strong ammonia-like smell or any other unpleasant, pungent, or "off" odour, it has probably spoiled. Trust your senses, as a bad smell is a clear indicator that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
Taste: While it is not recommended to taste cheese that shows signs of spoilage, an unusual or unpleasant taste is a sure sign that the feta has gone bad. A bitter, sour, or rancid taste indicates that the cheese is no longer safe for consumption.
Brine: Feta cheese is often packaged in brine, a salty solution that helps preserve the cheese. If the brine becomes cloudy or develops a strange odour, it could indicate that the cheese is starting to spoil. Always check the brine's clarity and smell before consuming the cheese.
Expiration Date: Finally, always check the expiration date on the package. While feta cheese can last a few weeks beyond this date if stored properly, consuming it too far past this date increases the risk of spoilage. If the cheese shows any signs of spoilage, even before the expiration date, it is best to discard it for food safety reasons.
In summary, always inspect your feta cheese before use. Look for changes in texture, colour, odour, and taste, and pay attention to the condition of the brine if the cheese is stored in it. By being vigilant and trusting your senses, you can ensure that you are consuming fresh and safe feta cheese.
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Storing feta cheese
Feta cheese can be stored in its original container in the fridge for up to six months if it is kept submerged in brine. If the feta is dry, it will go bad after just one week. Therefore, it is important to store it in liquid to extend its shelf life.
If your feta cheese does not come in brine, you can easily make your own brine solution by mixing salt with water and submerging your cheese for storage. The ratio of salt to water varies across sources, with suggestions ranging from a 4:1 ratio of water to salt, to 2 cups of water to 2 teaspoons of salt, to 1 quart of water to 3 tablespoons of salt. The brine is also the flavouring agent that gives feta its salty taste, so if your feta is already very salty, you can store it in plain water to preserve its texture without altering its flavour.
If you are using a ready-made brine, it is recommended to change it out weekly. If you are making your own brine, it can last longer, but it is still advisable to change it every two weeks or so.
Spoiled feta cheese is easy to spot. It will have a bitter flavour that worsens over time, and an unpleasant, yeasty odour. If your feta is moldy, you can simply cut off the mold and use the rest of the cheese.
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Freezing feta cheese
Feta cheese can be frozen, but its texture and flavour may change. Freezing feta is a good way to extend its shelf life, but it should be noted that frozen feta will not have the same characteristic combination of saltiness, moisture, and freshness as fresh feta.
To freeze feta cheese, it is recommended to first blot the cheese with a towel to absorb any excess water. Then, cut the feta into appropriately-sized portions for later use, as it will be difficult to cut the cheese precisely once it is frozen. Wrap the cheese in freezer paper and place it into a resealable freezer bag. It is important to minimise air exposure by squeezing out any excess air from the bag to maintain its freshness. You can also vacuum seal the cheese, but this may alter the acidity level of the feta.
Feta cheese can be frozen in brine or dry. If frozen in brine, it can be defrosted overnight in the fridge. Freezing feta in brine may be preferable, as it helps to maintain the cheese's freshness, flavour, and structure. However, if the feta is frozen and defrosted within its original brine, the acidity level may change.
Frozen feta cheese can last up to three months in the freezer, compared to three to four weeks in the fridge.
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Feta cheese texture and taste
Feta cheese is a popular variety of cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries. It originated in Greece and is known for its tangy flavour and crumbly texture. The cheese is typically made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. The inclusion of sheep's milk gives feta its distinct flavour and texture. Some manufacturers also use cow's milk or a blend of cow's and goat's milk, resulting in a milder taste.
Feta cheese has a strong, salty, sharp and tangy flavour. The taste can vary depending on the type of milk used and the length of time it is aged. For example, French feta made from goat's milk has a tangy and slightly sweet flavour, while Bulgarian feta made from cow's milk has a milder flavour than Greek feta.
The texture of feta cheese is crumbly and slightly grainy, with small, uneven holes throughout. It is firm yet moist and melts quickly in the mouth. The cheese is typically aged in brine, which enhances its flavour and contributes to its crumbly texture. The brine also helps preserve the cheese, extending its shelf life up to six months when kept submerged in the original container.
Feta cheese is versatile and can be used in various dishes. It is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes. It can be crumbled over vegetables or baked into bread. When baked, the flavours of feta cheese are enhanced and softened. It pairs well with fresh fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, grapes and red bell peppers, and can be garnished with a drizzle of olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese lasts 5 to 7 days in the fridge if it is sealed tightly. Feta submerged in brine can last up to 6 months.
Feta cheese can be spoiled even to the untrained eye. If the cheese has a bitter taste, this is a sign that it is going off. Another indication is the smell. Spoiled feta cheese has a yeasty, unpleasant odour.
Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it changes the texture and may affect its taste.
Storing feta cheese in brine is the best way to extend its shelf life. The salty brine helps the cheese retain its moisture.
