Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Feta is a soft cheese, which means it has a short shelf life—as little as five to seven days once opened, according to some sources. The key to keeping it longer is to store it in brine, which can preserve it for up to six months. However, without brine, feta will go bad in a few weeks, even in the fridge. So, how do you know when feta has gone off? Well, if it has a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, or a strange texture, it's probably past its prime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta shelf life unopened | 6 months |
| Feta shelf life opened | 5-7 days |
| Feta shelf life in brine | 6 months |
| Feta shelf life in olive oil | 2-3 weeks |
| Feta shelf life in freezer | Not recommended |
| Indications of bad feta | Yeasty aroma, harsh unbalanced flavours, rubbery texture, mould |
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What You'll Learn
Feta in brine can last for six months
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. The good news is that feta in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly. Here are some tips to ensure your feta stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible:
Firstly, always ensure that your feta is fully immersed in the brine. The brine is a classic preservation method that helps to maintain the cheese's freshness by retaining its moisture. If you find that the brine level is getting low, you can make your own by mixing ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup water, 1½ teaspoons table salt, and ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar. This will help to replicate the original brine's calcium and acetic acid composition.
It is also important to always use clean utensils when removing cheese from the brine. Using dirty utensils or touching the cheese or brine with your fingers can introduce microbes that encourage spoilage. Additionally, try to keep the feta in its original container, and make sure the container is airtight.
If you are using crumbled feta, it is best to store it in its original container, as crumbled feta is not typically sold in brine. Some people choose to freeze their crumbled feta to extend its shelf life, although this can affect the texture of the cheese.
Even if your feta is correctly stored in brine, it is still important to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. Feta cheese can go bad if not handled properly, and it can be a breeding ground for listeria. Check for any noticeable signs of mold growth, such as dark or green discoloration, and discard the cheese if you see any. Other signs of spoilage include a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavors, and a rubbery or dry texture.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your feta in brine stays fresh and tasty for up to six months!
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Opened feta should be eaten within a week
Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many meals, but it is a soft cheese and therefore has a short shelf life. Opened feta should be eaten within a week to ensure it is safe to consume and to enjoy its best flavour and texture.
Feta is often sold in a block submerged in a salty brine solution, which is a classic preservation method. The brine helps the cheese retain its moisture and the salt acts as a preservative. Feta stored in this way can last for up to six months if unopened. However, once opened, the feta should be eaten within a week to ensure freshness and optimal taste. If the feta is not fully submerged in brine, it is more likely to dry out and spoil.
If you are buying crumbled feta, it is likely to be sold without brine. Without brine, feta will go bad within a few weeks, even if stored in the fridge. Crumbled feta can be stored in its original packaging, but it is best to use it within a week to maintain freshness.
To extend the shelf life of opened feta, you can store it in olive oil, which will maintain its freshness for two to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. Storing feta in olive oil will also give it a more complex flavour and a creamier texture.
It is important to note that freezing feta is not recommended as it can destroy the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly. Additionally, mould spores can easily permeate feta cheese, so if you notice any mould, it is best to discard the entire cheese. Other signs that feta has gone bad include a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavours, and a rubbery or dry texture.
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Freezing feta ruins its texture
Feta cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy, crumbly texture. It is cured in brine, with salt acting as a preservative. Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the cheese completely submerged in brine. However, freezing feta is generally not recommended as it negatively affects its texture.
Freezing feta cheese can significantly alter its texture, making it crumbly, dry, and grainy upon thawing. This effect is particularly pronounced in crumbled feta, where the cheese becomes almost unrecognizably crumbly and dry. The texture changes may render the cheese unsuitable for certain dishes where texture is important.
The impact of freezing on feta's texture can be minimized by following certain procedures. For example, freezing feta in its brine helps to maintain its texture and flavor. Draining the feta block of brine or liquid, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, and then placing it in a freezer bag can help prevent freezer burn and the absorption of other freezer flavors. Larger blocks of feta also tend to freeze better.
Despite the potential texture changes, freezing feta can be a viable option to prolong its life. Frozen feta can be suitable for use in cooked dishes such as casseroles or soups, where texture is less critical. Additionally, some people may find the crumbles acceptable as a topping.
In conclusion, while freezing feta cheese can extend its shelf life, it is important to be aware of the potential negative impact on its texture. The decision to freeze feta should be made based on intended use and the acceptance of possible texture changes.
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Feta submerged in olive oil lasts 2-3 weeks
Feta cheese can be preserved in several ways, one of which is submerging it in olive oil. This method can increase the shelf life of the cheese by a few weeks.
When storing feta in olive oil, it is important to use a high-quality product to avoid bitterness and ensure longevity. The cheese should be cut into cubes or slices and placed in a jar with a tight seal. It is crucial to ensure that the feta is completely submerged in the oil; otherwise, it may spoil sooner. Adding herbs, spices, and other ingredients can enhance the flavour of the marinade. The jar should be stored in the fridge, and once opened, it should be sealed tightly and returned to the fridge promptly. With proper storage, feta cheese submerged in olive oil can last for about two to three weeks.
Feta cheese is traditionally preserved in brine, a salt solution that acts as a natural preservative. When fully immersed in brine, feta can last for several months, even without refrigeration in some cases. However, feta sold in stores today often contains little to no brine, and without it, the cheese can spoil within a few weeks, even when refrigerated.
Another option for extending the shelf life of feta is to freeze it. Freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it drier, crumblier, and less salty. However, these changes are minimal for up to three months, and defrosted feta works well in hot dishes. To prevent the cheese from freezing into a single block, it is recommended to freeze crumbles in a single layer first before transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
To determine if feta cheese has gone bad, there are a few indicators to look for. Yeasty aromas, harsh or unbalanced flavours, mould, or significant changes in texture, colour, or smell are all signs that the cheese has spoiled. Proper storage and preservation methods, such as submerging feta in olive oil or brine, can help extend the shelf life of this perishable cheese.
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Signs of mould indicate feta has gone bad
Feta cheese is a popular and versatile ingredient, used in everything from salads to baking. Proper storage is key to prolonging its freshness and maintaining its quality. Feta is often sold in brine, which acts as a preservative, inhibiting bacterial growth and helping the cheese retain its moisture.
However, feta can still go bad, and one of the most obvious signs of spoilage is mould growth. If you notice any dark or green discolouration on your feta, it's time to throw it out. Mould spores can easily permeate feta cheese, so simply cutting off a fuzzy or discoloured section won't be enough to solve the problem.
Other signs that your feta has gone bad include a change in texture, such as the cheese becoming rubbery and tough, or slimy. A sour smell or yeasty aroma, and a harsh or bitter taste are also indicators that your feta has spoiled.
To prevent your feta from spoiling, always ensure it is stored in a cool, refrigerated environment, and, if it's sold in brine, that it is completely submerged in the liquid.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese that is unopened and stored in brine can last for up to six months in the fridge. Once opened, it is recommended to consume it within one to two weeks.
Feta cheese can go bad due to improper storage or if it has been kept for too long. Signs of spoilage include a change in texture, colour, taste, and the presence of mould. If the cheese becomes rubbery, tough, or develops an overly sour or bitter taste, it has likely gone bad.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in brine, ensuring that the cheese is fully submerged. You can also create your own brine solution by mixing whole milk, water, salt, and distilled white vinegar. Additionally, storing feta in olive oil can help maintain its freshness for up to three weeks while also adding a complex flavour to the cheese.
