Brined Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Feta cheese is a handy ingredient to have in the fridge, but how long does it last? Well, that depends on how it's stored. Feta cheese that is packaged in liquid salt brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly. However, dry-packed feta should be used within a week of opening. If you want your feta to last longer, it's best to store it in brine.

Feta in brine can last for up to six months

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in your fridge, but how long it lasts depends on how it's stored. If you're not planning on eating a whole block in one sitting, you'll need to know how to save it properly to make the most of your cheese.

Feta is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and sits in salt water (brine) for its entire life. This brine helps to preserve the moisture, keep off harmful bacteria, and contribute to its flavour. It's best to buy feta in blocks rather than crumbles as they're easier to keep fresh and usually work out cheaper.

Most feta comes packaged in a brine, and if it doesn't, it will only last a week before turning dry, sour, and crumbly. An unopened package of feta in brine will stay good for around a month. However, once the seal is broken, you have no more than a week before the cheese will turn, unless you return it to a brine.

If you're storing feta crumbles, you can freeze them to optimise freshness. Feta will last frozen for up to three months, but this may change the flavour and texture of the cheese. Once-frozen cheese is best suited for cooked dishes like omelettes, sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Unopened feta lasts for a month

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in your fridge, but it's always annoying when you have to throw it away because it's gone bad. The good news is that unopened feta cheese lasts for a month or even longer.

Feta is typically a goat or sheep's milk cheese, and its unique flavour is partly due to the fact that it sits in salt water for its entire life. This brine not only helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay, but it also contributes to the flavour.

Most feta you'll find in the shops comes in a vacuum-sealed package with a small amount of brine. This is because the seal removes air and only a little brine is required for shelf stability. Unopened feta in this state will stay good for around a month. However, as soon as you break the seal, you have no more than a week before the cheese will turn, unless you return the cheese to a brine.

If you're looking to keep your feta for longer than a week, it's best to submerge it in brine. You can use the brine that comes with the cheese, or make your own by mixing one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. Be sure that the feta is completely covered by the brine before putting it in the fridge. This way, it will stay fresh for up to a month.

If you're working with crumbled feta, you can do the same thing, but freezing them also optimises freshness. Feta will last frozen for up to three months, but this may change the flavour and texture of the cheese. Once-frozen cheese may not make a great fresh garnish, but it's perfect for omelettes or other cooked dishes.

Opened feta without brine lasts for 3-7 days

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in your fridge, but it's important to store it properly to make the most of it. If you've opened a block of feta cheese and don't have any brine, it will only last for 3-7 days.

Feta is typically made from goat and/or sheep's milk, and it sits in a salt water brine for its entire shelf life. This brine helps to preserve the moisture in the cheese and keep off harmful bacteria. It also contributes to the flavour of the cheese.

If you've opened a block of feta and kept it in its original packaging, you can expect it to last for about a week. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can submerge it in brine, which will keep it fresh for up to a month.

It's worth noting that feta cheese that is not stored in brine will start to dry out and become crumbly. It might also develop mould, especially if it has been contaminated. To prevent this, be sure to use a clean, dry implement like tongs or a fork when removing a portion of cheese from the brine.

If you're working with crumbled feta, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. However, this may change the flavour and texture of the cheese, making it better suited for cooked dishes like omelettes.

Feta can be frozen to extend its life

To freeze feta, drain the brine and wrap the cheese tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen feta will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

There are a few other ways to extend the life of your feta. Firstly, always use a clean, dry utensil when removing cheese from the brine to avoid introducing microbes that could encourage spoilage. Secondly, ensure the feta is completely submerged in brine at all times—if you need to, make your own brine using ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup water, 1½ teaspoons table salt, and ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar.

Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. An unopened package of feta cheese crumbles will last for about 1 week after the "Sell By" or "Best By" date on the package.

Signs of bad feta include mould, discolouration, smell, and texture changes

Feta cheese is a perishable food that can spoil if not stored and handled correctly. It is important to know how to identify spoiled feta cheese to ensure food safety and avoid unpleasant culinary experiences. Here are some detailed signs of bad feta cheese:

Mould

Mould growth is a clear indication of spoilage in feta cheese. Feta is a moist cheese, and mould can easily permeate it. Look for fuzzy or discoloured spots on the surface of the cheese, which can be white, green, blue, or black. Mould can produce harmful toxins, so it is crucial to discard any cheese with visible mould growth.

Discolouration

Feta cheese typically has a bright white colour. Discolouration, such as yellowing, browning, or darkening, indicates that the cheese has spoiled. Discolouration often occurs alongside other signs of spoilage, such as mould growth or an unpleasant odour.

Smell

A slightly acidic or tangy odour is normal for fresh feta cheese. However, if the smell becomes much stronger, sour, or unpleasant, it indicates spoilage. This off-putting odour indicates the growth of bacteria or mould, which can pose health risks.

Texture changes

Fresh feta cheese should have a firm, crumbly texture. If the texture becomes slimy, sticky, dry, firm, or grainy, it indicates spoilage. A slimy texture indicates bacterial growth, while a dry and grainy texture suggests poor storage conditions or prolonged storage.

It is important to note that changes in the smell, flavour, and texture of feta cheese can vary between brands and types of feta (Greek, Bulgarian, or French). Therefore, it is always best to trust your senses and err on the side of caution when in doubt.

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