Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Feta is often sold in brine, a classic preservation method that can keep the cheese edible 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. Once opened, it should be consumed within one to two weeks. |
| Storing feta cheese | Feta cheese is often stored in a briny solution, which is a classic preservation method. The cheese should be fully immersed in the brine to prevent it from going bad. |
| Extending the shelf life | Feta cheese can be stored in olive oil after opening, which can maintain its freshness for two to three weeks. |
| Signs of spoilage | Yeasty aroma, harsh and unbalanced flavours, noticeable signs of mould growth, dark or green discolouration, mushy texture, and yellowish tint. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese stored in brine can last up to six months
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Storing feta cheese correctly is essential to prevent it from going bad and to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
If you are using feta cheese that is not stored in brine, such as crumbled feta, it is essential to follow proper storage practices to extend its shelf life. Unopened feta cheese can be stored in the fridge, where it can last for up to six months. However, once the package is opened, the timeframe for safe consumption is significantly reduced. Some sources suggest that opened feta cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks, while others recommend eating it within seven days to maintain optimal freshness and taste.
To extend the shelf life of opened feta cheese, you can store it in olive oil. The fat in the olive oil creates a protective barrier around the cheese, preventing bacteria, yeast, and other microbes from causing spoilage. This method can keep feta cheese fresh for two to three weeks.
It is important to note that feta cheese can go bad if not stored properly. Indicators of spoiled feta cheese include a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, noticeable mould growth, or discolouration. To summarise, storing feta cheese in brine or olive oil and practising proper storage methods can help extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage.
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Unopened feta can be stored in the fridge for up to six months
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. The good news is that if you've bought more than you need, unopened feta can be stored in the fridge for up to six months. This is because feta is often sold in a salty brine, which is an effective preservative. The brine helps the cheese retain its moisture, and as long as the block is completely submerged, it can last for several months.
However, it's important to note that not all feta cheese is sold in brine. Some feta, especially crumbled feta, is sold without any liquid, and this type of feta has a much shorter shelf life. Once the vacuum seal is broken on a package of feta, the cheese becomes highly perishable. Even if it's stored in the fridge, opened feta will only last about one to two weeks.
If you're hoping to extend the life of your feta cheese, there are a few things you can try. One option is to make your own brine by mixing whole milk, water, table salt, and distilled white vinegar. This can help keep your feta fresh for longer, but it's important to use clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine to avoid introducing microbes that could cause spoilage.
Another option for extending the shelf life of feta is to store it in olive oil after opening the package. The olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants like bacteria and yeast. This method can keep feta fresh for two to three weeks.
While unopened feta can last for several months in the fridge, it's always a good idea to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it. If your feta has developed a yeasty aroma or harsh, unbalanced flavours, it has likely gone bad. Visible signs of mould growth or discolouration are also indications that the cheese should be discarded.
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Opened feta should be consumed within one to two weeks
Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to consume it while it's still fresh to enjoy its best flavour and texture. Once opened, feta should be consumed within one to two weeks. This is because feta is a soft cheese, which means it has a shorter shelf life than harder cheeses. If stored correctly, unopened feta can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, once the package is opened, the clock starts ticking, and the cheese will only remain fresh for a more limited time.
The key to keeping feta cheese fresh for longer is to store it in a salty brine or olive oil. Feta is often sold immersed in a briny solution, which is a classic preservation method. The salty brine helps the cheese retain its moisture and slows down the growth of bacteria. If your feta comes in brine, be sure to keep it completely submerged in the liquid. You can also make your own brine by mixing whole milk, water, table salt, and distilled white vinegar. This will help keep the cheese fresher for longer.
If you prefer a less salty option, you can store your feta in olive oil after opening it. The olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants like bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. Additionally, the cheese will absorb the flavours of the olive oil, giving it a more complex and robust taste. However, storing feta in olive oil will alter its texture, resulting in a creamier mouthfeel.
It's important to practise good hygiene when handling feta cheese. When removing a portion of cheese from the brine or oil, use clean tongs, a fork, or another dry and sterile implement. Touching the cheese or brine with your fingers can introduce microbes that encourage spoilage. Additionally, always store your feta in a clean container in the refrigerator.
Even with proper storage, feta cheese can still go bad. If your feta has developed a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, or noticeable signs of mould growth, it has gone bad and should be discarded. Remember, consuming spoiled feta cheese can pose potential health risks, so it's important to inspect your cheese before eating it.
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Feta without brine will spoil in a few weeks
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it is a perishable food item that can go bad. One of the best ways to keep it fresh is to store it in brine. Brine is a classic preservation method that can keep feta fresh for up to six months if the cheese is fully immersed and stored correctly. The salty brine helps the cheese retain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
However, feta cheese is sometimes sold without brine, and if it is removed from the brine, it should be treated as a perishable food item. Feta without brine will spoil in a few weeks, even when stored in a refrigerator. The exact length of time it takes for the cheese to spoil depends on various factors, but it is generally recommended to consume feta within one to two weeks of opening the package.
If you find yourself with feta that is not in brine, there are a few things you can do to extend its shelf life. One option is to store the cheese in olive oil, which can maintain its freshness for up 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 cheese will absorb the aromatic compounds from the olive oil, developing a more complex flavour.
Another option to keep feta fresh without brine is to make your own brine solution. A simple brine made with salt and water can dry out the cheese and make it overly salty over time. Instead, a brine made with milk and vinegar can replicate the calcium and acetic acid found in commercial brines. To make this brine, mix 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of water, 1-1/2 teaspoons of table salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Place the feta in this brine in an airtight container and refrigerate for one week.
It is important to note that feta cheese can go bad even before the recommended consumption dates if it is not stored properly. To maintain freshness, always use clean utensils when handling the cheese and ensure that it is stored in a clean, dry container. Additionally, be mindful of any changes in the cheese's taste, texture, or appearance, as these can be indicators of spoilage.
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Feta can be stored in olive oil to extend its shelf life
Feta cheese is a young, fresh cheese with a high moisture content, which makes it prone to spoilage. It can last for about a week in the fridge once opened. However, storing feta in olive oil can extend its shelf life by creating a barrier that keeps out oxygen and prevents the growth of mould and bacteria. This method can preserve the cheese for up to three weeks.
To store feta in olive oil, start by ensuring the cheese is dry. If the cheese comes packed in brine, drain it and pat it down with a paper towel until it feels dry to the touch. This step is important because any residual brine on the cheese can create pockets where bacteria can breed. Next, cut the feta into cubes of around 1/2 to 1 inch. This makes it easier to arrange the cheese in your storage container and helps the oil penetrate the cheese.
Use a sterilised jar, such as a Mason jar, to store the cheese. If you're using herbs and spices, add them to the jar first, followed by the feta. Pour in enough olive oil to completely cover the cheese. Remember that anything left exposed to the air will spoil. Transfer the jar to the fridge. If the olive oil becomes cloudy, it's simply due to the cold temperature and not a cause for concern.
Storing feta in olive oil not only extends its shelf life but also enhances its flavour. The olive oil imparts additional flavours to the cheese, creating a delicious symphony of tastes. You can use high-quality olive oil and add herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, chilli, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, or jalapeño peppers to create a mouthwatering combination of flavours. The leftover olive oil can also be used in salad dressings, over pasta, or as a dipping oil.
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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, feta cheese should be consumed within a week or two.
If your feta cheese has developed a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, or noticeable signs of mould growth, it has likely gone bad.
To prevent feta cheese from going bad, it is important to ensure that it is completely submerged in brine or a liquid solution. You can also store it in olive oil, which will help to preserve its moisture and create a creamy texture.
Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can destroy the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly.
Feta cheese is about to go bad if it develops a mushy texture or a yellowish tint. It is best to consume feta cheese within a few weeks of opening to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.
