Feta Cheese In Brine: How Long Does It Last?

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in the fridge, but how long does it last once the package has been opened? Feta is typically sold in blocks packaged in brine, which is a solution of salt and water that helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay. An unopened package of feta cheese in brine will last for about three to six months in the refrigerator. However, once the package is opened, the feta will only stay fresh for about four to six weeks.

Feta in brine lasts 4-6 weeks in the fridge

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in the fridge, but how long does it last? Well, that depends on how it's stored.

Feta in brine can last for 4-6 weeks in the fridge. The key to keeping feta fresh for longer is the brine solution, which is typically made with salt and water. The brine helps to preserve the moisture in the cheese and stop bacteria from growing, as well as contributing to the flavour.

To maximise the shelf life of feta cheese in brine, it's important to keep the cheese covered in brine. If you need to, you can make your own brine by mixing one pound of salt with one gallon of water. It's also important to keep the feta refrigerated at all times.

If you want to extend the life of your feta even further, you can freeze it. To do this, drain the feta and wrap it tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. However, it's worth noting that frozen feta may lose some of its texture and flavour, and will be best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

Feta without brine lasts 5-7 days

Feta cheese is a versatile dairy product, often used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese. It is praised for its tangy flavor and crumbly texture. The longevity of feta cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions.

When stored in the refrigerator, unopened feta cheese in brine can last for about 3-6 months. However, once the package is opened, it is crucial to consume the cheese within a certain timeframe to maintain its taste and texture.

If you have leftover feta blocks or crumbled feta without brine, it is recommended to seal them tightly and refrigerate them. Stored this way, feta cheese will generally last for 5 to 7 days. During this period, the cheese will slowly start to dry out and may become more crumbly. It is also more susceptible to mold growth if contaminated.

To extend the shelf life of feta cheese without brine, you can create your own brine solution. Prepare a saltwater mixture by adding one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. Submerge the feta cheese completely in the brine and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method will keep the feta fresh for up to a month.

Additionally, freezing is an option to further extend the life of feta cheese. However, freezing may alter the texture, making the cheese crumblier. To freeze feta, wrap it tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen feta can be stored safely beyond six months, but it is recommended to use it within one month for optimal quality.

Feta can be frozen to extend its life

Feta cheese is typically sold in a brine solution, which helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay. However, feta can be frozen to extend its shelf life.

Feta stored in the refrigerator will only last for about 4 to 6 weeks, whereas feta stored in the freezer will last for about 6 months while maintaining its best quality. It's important to note that frozen feta may lose some of its texture and flavour, becoming drier and crumblier. This makes it better suited for cooked dishes, like casseroles or stews, rather than fresh salads.

To freeze feta, start by draining the brine and patting the cheese dry with a towel. Then, cut the feta into portions suitable for later use, as it will be difficult to cut the feta precisely once it's frozen. Next, wrap the cheese in freezer paper or plastic freezer wrap to prevent freezer burn. Finally, place the wrapped feta into a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to maintain freshness. It's a good idea to label the freezer bag with the name and date for easy identification.

While freezing can extend the life of feta cheese, it's not the preferred method for everyone. Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Dairy Research, advises against freezing feta as it can destroy the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly even when thawed gently in the refrigerator. Instead, he recommends keeping feta in its original container, ensuring that the block is completely submerged in brine and stored in the refrigerator.

Feta in olive oil lasts 2-3 weeks

Feta cheese is typically sold packaged in brine, which helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Once the package is opened, the feta will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator, as long as it remains covered in brine. To further extend its shelf life, you can freeze it, but this may affect its texture and flavour.

However, if you're looking to add some extra flavour to your feta, you can preserve it in olive oil. This is a traditional method used in Mediterranean countries, where olive oil is cheap and plentiful. To preserve feta in this way, cut it into cubes and place them in a clean jar with your choice of herbs and spices. Cover the feta entirely with olive oil and seal the jar tightly. It will then last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Feta is spoiled if it has mold, discolouration, a strong smell, or texture changes

Feta cheese is spoiled and should be discarded if it displays any of the following signs:

Mould

If you see any mould on your feta cheese, throw it away. Mould spores can easily spread throughout soft cheese, so it is not safe to simply cut off the mouldy part and eat the rest.

Discolouration

Dark spots or areas on the surface of the cheese indicate that it is no longer safe to eat.

Strong Smell

A slightly acidic odour is normal for feta, but if the smell becomes much stronger, or if the cheese smells unpleasant, sour, or like spoiled milk, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

Texture Changes

If your feta block is slimy, dry, hard, or grainy, or if it has started to crumble on its own, it is past its prime.

Other Signs

If your feta has been stored in its original packaging or without brine for more than a week, it should be thrown out. If the cheese has developed holes or no longer smells fresh, it is best to discard it.

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