Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is often packaged in brine for preservation and added flavour. While it's normal for feta to have a strong smell, it can spoil and develop an unpleasant odour, similar to spoiled milk or vomit. This can happen if the cheese is not fully submerged in the brine or if the seal is broken. To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly and ensure that it is completely covered by brine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal smell | Strong |
| Normal taste | Mildly tangy |
| Spoiled smell | Yeasty, spoiled milk, vomit |
| Spoiled taste | Bitter, rancid, sour |
| Texture when spoiled | Slimy |
| Other signs of spoilage | Mould, discolouration, hairy bits |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed, blocks, crumbles, brine |
| Storage | Fridge, freezer |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese should be stored in brine to prevent spoilage
- Feta has a strong, funky smell, but it shouldn't smell like spoiled milk or vomit
- Lactic acid bacteria are responsible for the fermentation process and contribute to the aroma
- Feta cheese should be discarded if there is mould, discolouration, or a change in texture
- Pre-crumbled cheese is more expensive and doesn't stay fresh for long
Feta cheese should be stored in brine to prevent spoilage
Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens and is often used in dishes such as yogurt dip haydari, a traditional Greek meze dish. It is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is known for its strong smell. While feta cheese does have a distinct odour, it should not smell like spoiled milk or vomit. If it does, it has likely gone bad.
If you buy feta cheese that is not packaged in brine, it is important to create your own brine solution to store the cheese in. You can do this by mixing water and salt together. The water should be at room temperature, and it is recommended to use kosher salt as table salt does not have the same effect. It is important to ensure that the cheese is completely covered by the brine and that the container is airtight. Stored this way, feta cheese can last for up to a month in the refrigerator.
If you are looking for a low-sodium option, you can also store feta cheese in olive oil. Cut the cheese into cubes and place them in a storage container. Pour extra virgin olive oil over the cheese, making sure it is completely covered. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme and garlic to the oil for added flavour. Stored this way, the feta cheese will last for up to three weeks in the refrigerator.
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Feta has a strong, funky smell, but it shouldn't smell like spoiled milk or vomit
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is stored in brine, a saltwater solution, to preserve it and add flavour. It is known for its strong, funky smell, which is considered normal and expected. However, there is a clear difference between a funky smell and a spoiled smell.
Feta cheese that has gone bad will have an unpleasant odour, similar to spoiled milk or vomit, as described by some people. It may also exhibit signs of mould, discolouration, or a slimy texture. In terms of taste, spoiled feta will be harsh, bitter, or sour rather than mildly tangy.
To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, proper storage is essential. Feta packed in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly, with the cheese fully submerged in the brine to prevent contamination. When removing cheese from the brine, use clean utensils to avoid introducing microbes that can cause spoilage.
If you don't have enough brine, you can create your own by mixing milk, water, salt, and vinegar. Alternatively, you can make a simple brine solution with one teaspoon of salt per cup of water, ensuring the feta is completely covered. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for about a month.
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Lactic acid bacteria are responsible for the fermentation process and contribute to the aroma
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is preserved in brine, which also adds to its flavour. It is known for its strong smell, which is considered normal. However, feta cheese that has gone bad will have a yeasty, unpleasant odour, similar to spoiled milk or vomit.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are essential to the fermentation process of cheese. They are responsible for the rapid acidification of milk, which inhibits the growth of undesirable microorganisms. This is a fundamental characteristic of cheese production. The metabolic features of LAB contribute to the sensory characteristics of the final product, such as flavour, texture, and nutritional value.
During cheese fermentation, LAB perform three critical functions:
- Conversion of lactose in milk into small molecular monosaccharides (galactose and glucose), promoting the formation of cheese flavour.
- Degradation of proteins into peptides and free amino acids (FAAs) in the cheese.
- Decomposition of lipids into fatty acids.
The enzymes produced by LAB support proteolysis and lipolysis, which are the chief drivers of flavour and texture in cheese. The volatile compounds released by LAB during these processes contribute to the distinctive odour and aroma of cheese. For example, methyl ketones, aldehydes, ethyl esters, alcohols, and sulfur compounds are typical aroma components of cheese.
In addition to their role in fermentation, LAB can also act as secondary microbiota in cheese ripening. This is particularly important in raw milk cheeses, where LAB contribute to the development of unique and intense flavours. The complex microbiota of raw milk cheeses include numerous strains of non-starter LAB, which are crucial for flavour development.
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Feta cheese should be discarded if there is mould, discolouration, or a change in texture
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is stored in brine, a saltwater solution, to preserve it and add flavour. While it's normal for feta cheese to have a strong smell, it should not smell yeasty or like spoiled milk. If it does, it has gone bad and should be discarded.
In addition to smell, there are other ways to tell if your feta cheese has spoiled. One clear sign is mould. If you see any discolouration or hairy bits on the cheese, it should be thrown away. Another indicator is texture; spoiled feta may develop a slimy texture. Good feta cheese should have a mild, tangy taste, so if it tastes overly bitter, rancid, or sour, it has likely gone bad.
To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly. Feta packed in brine can last up to 6 months if stored correctly. The cheese should be completely submerged in the brine to prevent contamination. When removing cheese from the brine, use clean utensils to avoid introducing microbes that can encourage spoilage. If you don't have enough brine, you can create your own by mixing milk, water, salt, and vinegar.
If you buy feta in a vacuum-sealed package, it will only stay good for around a month. Once the seal is broken, you have about a week before the cheese will turn, unless you return it to a brine solution. To do this, make a solution of one teaspoon of salt per cup of water, ensuring that the feta is completely covered by the brine. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for up to a month.
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Pre-crumbled cheese is more expensive and doesn't stay fresh for long
Feta cheese is known for its strong smell, which is considered normal and expected. However, it is important to differentiate between a funky smell and a spoiled smell. Feta cheese that has gone bad will have a yeasty, unpleasant odour, similar to spoiled milk or vomit. In addition to smell, mould, discolouration, hairy bits, and a slimy texture are signs that feta cheese has spoiled.
When it comes to storing cheese, it is important to consider the type of cheese and its texture. Soft cheeses, such as feta, have a higher moisture content, providing more opportunities for bacteria to grow, making them more perishable than hard cheeses. Soft cheeses should be stored in their natural liquid in a plastic container and kept in the refrigerator. They typically last 1-2 weeks in the fridge after opening, while hard cheeses can last 3-4 weeks.
Pre-crumbled cheese, such as pre-grated or pre-shredded cheese, tends to be more expensive than buying a block of cheese and grating or crumbling it yourself. Pre-crumbled cheese may also have a shorter shelf life due to the increased surface area exposed to oxygen, which can accelerate spoilage. Additionally, pre-crumbled cheese often contains additives, such as cellulose (wood pulp), anti-caking agents, and preservatives, which may affect its melting properties and overall quality.
To maintain the freshness of feta cheese, it is recommended to buy it in blocks rather than crumbles. Blocks are easier to keep fresh and can be stored in brine, a saltwater solution, to prolong their shelf life. Feta packed in brine can last up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the cheese completely submerged in the brine to prevent contamination.
In summary, pre-crumbled cheese may be more convenient, but it is generally more expensive and has a shorter shelf life. Buying a block of cheese and crumbling it yourself allows for better control over freshness and cost, especially when storing cheese in brine, which is effective for preservation and flavour enhancement.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is known for its strong smell, which is normal and expected. However, there is a difference between a funky smell and a spoiled smell. Feta should not smell yeasty or like spoiled milk or vomit.
If your feta cheese has gone bad, it will likely have a slimy texture and taste harsh, bitter, or sour. There may also be mould present, with discolouration or hairy bits on the cheese.
To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly. Feta packed in brine can last up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the cheese completely submerged in the brine to prevent contamination.
