Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last In The Fridge?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. The length of time it lasts in the fridge depends on how it is stored. Feta cheese that is packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the block of cheese completely submerged in brine and no contamination. On the other hand, dry-packed feta cheese should be consumed within a week of opening the package.

Feta cheese in brine can last for up to six months

Feta cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient, but how long does it keep in the fridge? The answer depends on how the cheese is packaged and stored.

On the other hand, dry-packed feta cheese should be consumed within a week of opening. Crumbled feta cheese sold without brine should be treated as a perishable food item and consumed within a few weeks to avoid spoilage.

It's important to note that feta cheese can still go bad before its expiration date due to quality control issues or improper storage. Always inspect your cheese before consumption and look for signs of spoilage, such as mold, a yeasty aroma, or harsh and unbalanced flavors.

To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be frozen. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavor, making it more suitable for cooked dishes.

Feta cheese without brine will go bad in a few weeks

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, its longevity in the fridge depends on how it is stored.

Feta cheese stored in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if kept correctly. This involves ensuring the cheese is completely submerged in brine and taking care to avoid contamination.

On the other hand, dry-packed feta cheese should be consumed within a week of opening. Without brine, feta will go bad in a few weeks, even when stored in a refrigerator. This is because soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses due to their higher moisture content, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial spoilage.

To extend the life of feta cheese, it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container with a brine solution made of 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup water, 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt, and 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar. This will help to preserve the cheese for up to a week or allow it to be used to top off the container of feta if the brine level has dropped.

Additionally, when removing a portion of cheese from the brine, use clean utensils to avoid introducing microbes that could encourage spoilage.

It is also worth noting that freezing is generally not recommended for feta cheese as it can negatively affect the texture, making it overly crumbly.

Feta cheese should be stored in its original container

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, to maximise its lifespan, it's important to store it correctly.

Additionally, feta cheese that is packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. It is important to ensure that the block of cheese is completely submerged in the brine and that no contamination occurs. This helps to preserve the cheese and maintain its quality.

If you have purchased dry-packed feta cheese, it is best to consume it within a week of opening. Dry-packed feta has a shorter shelf life compared to brine-packed feta.

To further extend the shelf life of feta cheese, you can also freeze it. However, freezing may alter the texture and flavour of the cheese, making it more suitable for cooked dishes. When freezing feta cheese, ensure that it is tightly sealed in its original packaging and placed in the freezer.

By following these storage guidelines and keeping feta cheese in its original container, you can maximise its freshness and enjoy its delicious flavour for a longer period of time.

Feta cheese can be frozen, but this will affect its texture

Feta cheese is a delicious, tangy, and salty ingredient that can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing feta cheese will affect its texture.

Feta cheese is typically a crumbly white cheese that originates in Greece. It is often sold in blocks submerged in a brine solution, which helps to preserve it. When stored correctly in the fridge, feta in brine can last for up to six months, while dry-packed feta should be used within a week of opening.

Freezing feta cheese can be a good way to prevent waste if you have more than you can use before it goes bad. However, freezing will affect the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly. Frozen feta is still suitable for use in cooked dishes such as casseroles or soups, where texture is less important.

To freeze feta cheese, it is important to first drain any excess liquid. The cheese should then be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two to three months, but for the best quality, it should be used within one month.

When it comes to defrosting, it is best to thaw frozen feta in the refrigerator overnight. It can also be defrosted quickly by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours. Once defrosted, it is recommended to use the feta within three days to avoid sourness.

While freezing feta cheese can be a convenient way to extend its shelf life, it is important to note that it will affect the texture and may also alter the taste, making it less salty. However, if you prefer your feta less salty, freezing it might make it even more appealing!

Soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses

Feta cheese, for example, is a soft cheese that is packed in liquid salt brine. When stored correctly, feta can last for up to six months. However, once the package is opened, feta should be consumed within a week. Other soft cheeses, like mozzarella and ricotta, will also last about a week in the fridge.

On the other hand, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, aged gouda, and parmigiano reggiano have a much longer shelf life. Unopened packages of hard cheese can last up to six months in the fridge, and once opened, they can last about four weeks. This is because hard cheeses have lower moisture levels, which means bacteria are less likely to grow and cause spoilage.

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