Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last Once Opened?

Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but how long does it keep after opening? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of feta, how it is stored, and whether it has expired. Unopened feta cheese can last for up to six months in the fridge, but once opened, the timeframe shortens significantly. Properly stored feta cheese blocks or crumbles will last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. However, if you submerge the feta in brine or olive oil, it can last for about a month or even up to six months.

Feta cheese in brine lasts 4-6 weeks if covered and refrigerated

Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat.

When it comes to feta cheese in brine, you can rest assured that it will last a good amount of time if stored correctly. Specifically, an opened package of feta cheese in brine will typically last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. This extended shelf life is due to the brine, which is a classic preservation method that creates a barrier against bacteria, yeast, and other microbes.

To maximize the shelf life of your feta cheese in brine, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, always keep the feta covered in brine. If you need to, you can make additional brine by mixing one pound of salt (preferably kosher) with one gallon of water. This will ensure your feta stays fully submerged, which is crucial for maintaining its quality.

Additionally, it's important to keep your feta cheese refrigerated at all times. Bacteria can quickly grow at room temperature, so if your feta is left out for more than 2 hours, it's best to discard it.

If you're looking to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze your feta cheese. Simply drain the brine and wrap the cheese tightly in plastic freezer wrap or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen feta may lose some of its texture and flavor, so it's best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, or casseroles.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your feta cheese in brine for 4-6 weeks and even longer if frozen, making it a convenient and tasty addition to your meals.

Feta cheese without brine lasts 5-7 days if sealed tightly and refrigerated

Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. If you're wondering how long feta cheese without brine will last in the refrigerator, here's what you need to know:

Feta cheese is typically sold in blocks or crumbles, and it can be purchased either in brine or without brine. When feta cheese is packaged in brine, it has a longer shelf life because the brine helps to preserve the cheese. However, if you have feta cheese without brine, it's important to know that it will only last for a shorter period of time.

Feta cheese without brine will typically last for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator, but only if it is sealed tightly and stored properly. This means that you should keep the feta cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. This helps to prevent contamination and slows down the drying process. During this time, the cheese may start to dry out and become more crumbly, and there is a higher risk of mould growth if the cheese becomes contaminated.

To extend the shelf life of feta cheese without brine, you can consider making your own brine solution. Brine is a simple mixture of salt and water, and submerging the feta in brine can increase its storage time by up to four times. If you decide to make your own brine, use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water. This will help to keep your feta cheese fresh and moist for a longer period of time.

Feta cheese lasts 2-3 weeks if stored in olive oil

Feta cheese is a delicious, creamy treat, but it can be frustrating when it dries out or becomes mouldy after just a few days in the fridge. The good news is that there is a simple way to extend its shelf life: storing it in olive oil.

Storing feta cheese in olive oil can keep it fresh for up to two to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants like bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This delays spoilage and keeps your feta tasting great for longer.

When stored in olive oil, feta also takes on a more complex flavour. It absorbs the aromatic compounds present in the oil, resulting in a more robust, peppery taste when paired with extra virgin olive oil, or a milder, more neutral taste when stored in ultra-refined or light olive oil.

To store your feta in olive oil, start by cutting it into cubes. Place the cheese in an airtight container or jar to shield it from air exposure, which can cause expedited spoilage. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination. Then, pour in enough olive oil to fully submerge the cheese.

It's important to note that even when stored in olive oil, feta cheese should still be kept in the fridge. Artisanal varieties, in particular, should not be kept too cold. Be sure to check your feta periodically for signs of spoilage. While the olive oil will alter the taste of the cheese, it should never taste very sour or overly pungent. If it develops a yeasty or dough-like smell, it has gone bad.

Storing feta cheese in olive oil is a great way to keep this delicious, creamy cheese fresh for longer. So, go ahead and give it a try! Your taste buds will thank you.

Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life

Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in dishes such as Greek salad, dips, and even a baked feta pasta that went viral on TikTok. If you're a fan of this briny, savory cheese, you might be wondering how to make it last longer.

If you still want to freeze your feta cheese, here are some steps to follow:

• Vacuum sealing: Jessica Sennett, a cheese expert and educator, recommends pouring off the brine and vacuum sealing the cheese. This helps maintain the acidity level of the feta, preserving its curd structure.
• Separate into portions: If you have a large amount of feta, consider freezing it in portions suitable for one to three meals. This way, you won't end up thawing more than you need.
• Blot: Before freezing, blot the cheese with a towel to absorb any excess water.
• Slice: Cut the feta into appropriate sizes, as it will be difficult to cut precisely once frozen.
• Seal: Wrap the feta in freezer paper to prevent freezer burn and then place it into a resealable freezer bag.
• Label: Label the freezer bag with the name and date for easy identification.

By following these steps, you can successfully freeze feta cheese and extend its shelf life. However, keep in mind that freezing will affect the texture and flavor, so it's best to use thawed feta in cooked dishes rather than fresh salads.

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

Feta cheese is a soft cheese, so it's important to be vigilant about signs of spoilage. Unlike harder cheeses, soft cheeses like feta are more susceptible to mould and other contaminants.

Feta cheese is spoiled when it exhibits any of the following signs:

• Mould: If you see any spots of mould on the cheese, the entire block must be discarded. Unlike harder cheeses, soft cheeses like feta cannot be salvaged by scraping off the mouldy parts. The mould spores can easily spread throughout the cheese.
• Discolouration: Dark spots or areas on the surface of the cheese indicate spoilage. Fresh feta should be white, so any discolouration is a sign that the cheese is no longer safe to eat.
• Strong smell: A slightly acidic or sour odour is typical of feta cheese. However, if the smell becomes overpowering or resembles yeast or dough, the cheese has gone bad.
• Texture changes: Feta cheese should have a creamy and smooth texture. If it becomes slimy, dry, firm, or grainy, or if it starts to crumble easily, it has likely passed its prime.

To maximise the shelf life of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly. Feta cheese should be refrigerated at all times, and if possible, it should be submerged in brine to prevent mould growth and maintain freshness.

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