Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in the fridge, but how do you know when it's gone bad? Feta is typically packaged in a brine, which helps to preserve moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay. However, even with this preservative, feta cheese can still spoil. There are several tell-tale signs to look out for when it comes to spotting spoilage in feta cheese, including mold, an acrid or sour smell, and a slimy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Feta cheese has a strong smell, but if it smells like spoiled milk, vomit, or extra sour, it might be a sign that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Texture | If the feta cheese has a slimy texture, it is a sign that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Appearance | If there is any discolouration or mould on the cheese, it is a sign that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Packaging | Feta cheese is often packaged in a vacuum-sealed package with brine, which helps to preserve moisture and keep the cheese fresh for longer. |
| Storage | To store feta cheese, it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container filled with brine (one teaspoon of salt per cup of water) and store it in the fridge. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese packaged in brine has a milder smell
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and has a unique flavour. This distinct flavour is partly due to the fact that it is stored in brine, which is a solution of salt and water. The brine helps to preserve the moisture in the cheese and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It also contributes to the flavour of the cheese, giving it a salty taste.
While feta cheese is known for its strong smell and flavour, those packaged in brine tend to have a milder odour. This is because the salt in the brine helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, which can cause the cheese to smell and taste stronger. The salt in the brine also draws out some of the water from the cheese, concentrating the flavours and making them less pungent.
It's important to note that even feta cheese packaged in brine can develop a strong smell if it is not stored properly. If the package is left open, the cheese will be exposed to air and other contaminants, which can cause it to spoil and develop a stronger smell. To prevent this, it is recommended to store feta cheese in an airtight container with brine, ensuring that the cheese is fully submerged.
Additionally, the quality of the feta cheese can also affect its smell. Cheeses made with lower-quality milk or improper handling may have a stronger or "off" smell. Buying feta cheese from reputable sources or cheese specialists can help ensure that the cheese is of good quality and has a pleasant, mild smell.
Overall, while feta cheese is known for its strong aroma, those packaged in brine tend to have a more subtle fragrance. By following proper storage practices and purchasing from reputable sources, consumers can enjoy the distinctive flavour of feta cheese without an overpowering odour.
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Feta cheese is made with bacteria and has a strong smell
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep milk and has a unique flavour. This is due in part to the fact that it sits in brine—a solution of salt water—for its entire shelf life. The brine not only helps to preserve the cheese and prevent bacterial growth but also contributes to its flavour.
The smell of feta cheese can vary depending on its age, with older cheese often having a more pronounced aroma. Additionally, the type of milk used and the specific bacteria cultures can influence the strength and character of the smell.
It's important to distinguish between the strong smell of feta cheese, which is a natural part of its character, and the smell of spoilage. Fresh feta cheese should have a pleasant, tangy aroma. However, if the cheese smells acrid, extra sour, or like spoiled milk, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
To prolong the freshness of feta cheese and prevent premature spoilage, it is essential to store it properly. Feta is often sold in brine, and it is recommended to keep the cheese submerged in this solution. If the original packaging is not suitable for long-term storage, transfer the feta and brine to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. With proper storage, feta cheese can maintain its quality and strong smell without deteriorating.
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Signs of spoilage include mould, an acrid smell, and sliminess
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is known for its unique flavour, partly due to the fact that it sits in salt water, or brine, for its entire shelf life. This brine not only helps to preserve the cheese and keep it moist, but also contributes to its flavour.
Despite our best efforts, food sometimes spoils, and feta cheese is no exception. There are some tell-tale signs of spoilage to look out for. The first and most obvious sign is mould. If you see any discolouration or hairy bits on the cheese, it's best to throw it away.
The second indicator of spoilage is smell. Feta cheese naturally has a strong smell, but if it smells acrid, extra sour, or like spoiled milk, it has likely gone bad. This smell is unmistakably rotten, and you may find it difficult to even get a bite down before realising something is wrong.
Lastly, check your feta for sliminess. If your feta exhibits any of these signs of spoilage, it is best to discard it, even if you are concerned about waste. However, the brine can be saved and used for other purposes.
To prevent spoilage, it is recommended to store feta in an airtight container filled with brine, using one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. This will help keep the cheese fresh for up to a month.
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Feta cheese can be stored in an airtight container with brine
Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in the fridge, but it can quickly dry out or spoil once opened. The best way to store it is in an airtight container with brine—a solution of salt dissolved in water.
Feta is typically sold in vacuum-sealed packaging with a small amount of brine. This brine helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay, as well as contributing to the cheese's flavour. However, once the seal is broken, the cheese will only last about a week. To extend its shelf life, you can make your own brine by dissolving one teaspoon of salt per cup of water, ensuring the cheese is completely covered by the brine, and storing it in the fridge. This will keep the feta fresh for up to a month.
If you're short on salt, you can also freeze crumbled feta to keep it fresh. Alternatively, for a low-sodium option, you can store the cheese in olive oil. Cut the cheese into cubes, cover them with olive oil, and add herbs like oregano or thyme, or garlic, for extra flavour. This method will also keep the cheese fresh for up to three weeks.
You can tell if feta has gone bad by checking for mould, discolouration, or a slimy texture. If the cheese smells acrid, extra sour, or like spoiled milk, it has also likely gone off.
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Feta cheese that is vacuum-sealed will stay good for a month
Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in your fridge. It's a unique cheese with a strong flavour and a soft, crumbly texture. Feta is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and sits in brine (a saltwater solution) to preserve its moisture, keep out harmful bacteria, and develop its flavour.
Feta cheese that is vacuum-sealed will stay good for around a month. This is because the vacuum seal removes the air from the packaging, so only a small amount of brine is needed for the cheese to stay stable. However, once the seal is broken, the feta will only last for about a week unless it is returned to a brine solution.
To make your own brine, use one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. Ensure the feta is completely covered by the brine and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the cheese fresh for up to a month. If you're working with crumbled feta, you can also freeze it to optimise freshness.
It's important to note that feta cheese naturally has a strong smell, but there are some tell-tale signs to know if it has gone bad. Firstly, check for mould or discolouration on the cheese. Secondly, if the cheese smells acrid or like spoiled milk, it has gone off. Lastly, if the cheese feels slimy, it should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is typically a goat or sheep's milk cheese and has a unique flavor partly due to it sitting in saltwater for its natural life. It is normal for it to have a strong smell. However, if it smells acrid or extra sour, it may be spoiled.
The first sign of spoilage is mold. If you see any discoloration or hairy bits on the cheese, it's best to throw it out. The second indicator is smell—if the cheese smells acrid, extra sour, or like spoiled milk, it has gone bad. Lastly, check for sliminess.
Feta cheese that comes packaged in a brine will stay good for around a month if unopened. Once opened, it will only last about a week unless returned to a brine solution. To make your own brine solution, use one teaspoon of salt per cup of water, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered before storing it in the fridge.
Feta cheese has a strong smell that some may describe as similar to vomit. This is due to the bacteria used in the cheese-making process. If the smell is particularly offensive or unusual, it may be a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
No, different brands of feta cheese can have varying levels of strength in their smell and taste. Some brands may also change their recipe or processing methods, resulting in a different smell and taste from what you are used to.
