Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that has a relatively short shelf life compared to harder cheeses. The shelf life of soft cheese is influenced by factors such as the processing method, packaging date, exposure to heat, and storage method. Feta cheese that is stored unopened in the refrigerator can last for about 1-2 weeks beyond its printed date. However, once the package is opened, feta cheese should be consumed within 5 to 7 days if stored in a tightly sealed container or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be submerged in a brine solution, which can increase its longevity to about a month. Some sources suggest that feta cheese packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the block of cheese completely submerged in brine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese in brine | Can last up to 6 months if stored correctly |
| Feta cheese without brine | Lasts a few weeks |
| Feta cheese in brine or milk bath | Can last up to 3 months |
| Crumbled feta without brine | Lasts about a month |
| Crumbled feta in brine | Can last about a month |
| Sealed and refrigerated feta | Lasts 5 to 7 days |
| Opened feta | Lasts a week past its printed date |
| Opened and refrigerated feta | Lasts 10 days |
| Feta cheese in a freezer | Can last up to 6 months |
| Signs of spoilage | Mold, discolouration, off smell, texture changes |
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What You'll Learn
Feta in brine can last for up to six months
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that originated in Greece and is now enjoyed worldwide. It is a soft cheese with a tangy aroma and a unique flavour that enhances many dishes. Feta cheese has a longer shelf life than most cheeses, especially when stored in brine.
Feta cheese in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly. The key to preserving feta is to ensure that the cheese is fully submerged in the brine solution and that the container is adequately sealed. The brine acts as a preservative, and the salt and acidification effectively inhibit spoilage. It is important to use clean utensils when handling the cheese and to avoid contamination. Additionally, regularly inspecting the brine for any changes in appearance, such as a murky colour, is essential to ensuring the feta's longevity.
When purchasing feta cheese, it is advisable to choose a product packaged in brine to maximise its shelf life. If the feta is dry-packed or non-brined, it is best to consume it within a week of opening. To extend the shelf life of non-brined feta, one can create a brine solution by mixing milk, water, salt, and vinegar, and then submerging the cheese in this solution. This homemade brine can help maintain the freshness of the feta for a few weeks.
It is important to note that even with proper storage, feta cheese can spoil. Indicators of spoilage include the presence of mould, a yeasty or unpleasant odour, and changes in texture, such as oozing or hardening. If any of these signs are observed, the feta cheese should be discarded.
By following these guidelines and storing feta cheese in brine, one can expect it to remain edible and maintain its quality for up to six months. Proper handling and storage are crucial to ensuring the longevity and freshness of this versatile cheese.
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Feta without brine can last for a few weeks
Feta cheese is a traditional, cured cheese that is often stored in brine or a milk bath. The salt in the brine acts as a preservative, and when fully immersed, feta can last for several months. However, feta without brine will only last a few weeks, even when stored in the fridge.
Feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses are the number one cause of listeria if not handled properly. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when consuming feta that is past its best-before date. An unopened package of feta can last for up to six months in the fridge, but once opened, this timeframe reduces significantly.
When stored in the fridge, opened feta without brine will only last around 5 to 7 days. It is recommended to seal the cheese tightly or place it in an airtight container to ensure maximum freshness. However, even with proper storage, the cheese will likely become dry and crumbly within a week.
If you wish to extend the shelf life of feta without brine, you can try storing it in olive oil. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This method can maintain the freshness of feta for up to two to three weeks. However, it is important to note that olive oil will alter the taste of the feta, giving it a more complex and aromatic flavour.
In summary, while feta without brine can last for a few weeks, its shelf life can be extended by storing it properly in the fridge and sealing it tightly. Additionally, using olive oil as a storage medium can further increase its freshness and flavour. However, it is always important to check the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or discolouration, before consumption.
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Signs of spoilage include mould, discolouration, and a strong smell
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. Unopened feta cheese can last anywhere from a few months to a year, often maintaining its quality a couple of weeks beyond the printed date. Once opened, feta cheese's shelf life varies. If kept in its original packaging or container, it can last 3 to 5 days. However, if submerged in brine, it can extend its shelf life to over a month.
Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for as long as 6 months if stored correctly. You can keep the cheese in its original container, but ensure that the block is completely submerged in brine and that care has been taken to avoid contamination.
Freezing is not recommended as it can destroy the texture of the cheese. Instead, to keep feta fresh for longer, it is recommended to use tongs, a fork, or some other clean implement when removing a portion of the cheese from the brine. Touching the brine or cheese with your fingers or any utensil that is not clean and dry introduces microbes into the feta's environment, which could encourage spoilage.
If your feta is too salty, you can rinse it with water or even submerge it in water for half an hour before serving. This way, the water will take some of the salt back, and the taste of your feta will improve.
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Feta can be frozen, but this affects its texture
Feta cheese can be frozen, but it is important to note that freezing affects its texture. Freezing feta cheese can make it drier, crumblier, and less creamy. This change in texture is more noticeable with block feta compared to crumbled feta. While the flavor remains relatively intact, it is recommended to use thawed feta in cooked dishes, such as casseroles or stews, rather than fresh salads to mask any textural changes.
To freeze feta cheese, it is important to start with good-quality, fresh feta. The cheese should be patted dry using a clean paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as water can form crystals when frozen, negatively impacting the texture and taste. Feta can then be cut into smaller portions or crumbled, and it is crucial to use clean utensils throughout the process to avoid introducing microbes that can encourage spoilage.
When it comes to storage, vacuum sealing is recommended to minimize air exposure and maintain quality. Feta can be frozen in portions that will be used for one to three meals, wrapped tightly in plastic or placed in vacuum-sealed or resealable freezer bags. Labeling the storage container with the date helps track how long the feta has been frozen.
The recommended shelf life of frozen feta cheese is around 45 to 60 days, and it should be used within a month for the best quality. To thaw frozen feta, it is best to place it in the refrigerator overnight or use a bowl of cold water for a quicker method. However, it is important to avoid thawing at room temperature to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
While freezing feta can extend its shelf life, it may also alter its taste, particularly its saltiness. Some people choose to place the cheese in brine once it has been thawed to restore some of its original flavor. Therefore, it is important to consider the intended use of the feta and the potential changes in texture and taste before deciding to freeze it.
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Soft cheeses don't last as long as hard cheeses
Feta cheese can last for varying lengths of time depending on how it is stored. Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly, as long as the block is completely submerged in brine. Without brine, feta will go bad in a few weeks, even in a fridge. Crumbled feta sold without brine can last for about a month in the fridge.
More generally, soft cheeses don't last as long as hard cheeses. Soft cheeses like feta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, or mozzarella have a higher moisture content and are not aged, making them more perishable and susceptible to bacteria and spoilage. They last 1–2 weeks in the fridge after opening. Harder cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda, on the other hand, have a lower moisture content, making them less likely to have bacterial growth. They last 3–4 times longer in the fridge, from a few months to basically forever. Harder cheeses will also last longer at room temperature than soft cheeses.
To make soft cheeses last longer, wrap blocks of cheese in wax, parchment, or cheese paper and store them in the fridge. Avoid wrapping them in tight, non-porous material like plastic wrap, as this can dry them out and harden them. You can also freeze soft cheeses, but they don't tend to freeze well and can become overly crumbly.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese can last for about a week past its printed date if it is unopened and stored correctly. If it is sealed tightly and refrigerated, it can last for 5 to 7 days.
Feta cheese can be stored in a brine solution to make it last longer. It can be submerged in a mixture of milk, water, salt, and vinegar, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Feta cheese has gone bad if there is mold on it, or if it has an off smell or texture. Discoloration, a strong acidic odour, or a slimy texture are also signs that the cheese has spoiled.
Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency of the cheese, making it overly crumbly.
