Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Really Last?

Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its crumbly texture and tangy taste. Typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk, it is often stored in brine, which helps preserve its flavour and moisture. But how long does it last after the expiration date?

Well, it depends on how it's stored. Unopened feta cheese can last for up to two months past the printed date when stored properly in its original packaging in the fridge. However, once it's opened, its shelf life reduces significantly. When properly stored in brine or an airtight container, opened feta can last for about a week in the fridge. Without proper storage, it may spoil more quickly.

There are several signs to look out for to determine if your feta has gone bad. These include a change in appearance, such as discolouration or mould growth, an off-putting smell, and a change in texture, such as becoming slimy or excessively soft. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the feta.

Feta in brine can last up to six months

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding a burst of flavour to a wide array of dishes. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is often used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk.

Feta is a soft, crumbly cheese with a tangy taste. Its high moisture content and unique composition make it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. Therefore, understanding and following proper storage methods is crucial to maintaining its freshness and flavour.

One of the best ways to prolong the life of feta cheese is to store it in brine. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and when feta is submerged in it, the cheese can last for a long time. In fact, feta in brine can last up to six months if stored correctly.

To store feta in brine, it is recommended to keep the cheese in its original container. Ensure that the block is completely submerged in brine and that care has been taken to avoid contamination. The brine helps to preserve the cheese's moisture, flavour, and texture, while also inhibiting bacterial growth.

If you are using a homemade brine, you can make it by mixing one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. It is important to use an airtight container and to keep the feta refrigerated. With proper brine storage, feta can last for up to a month in the fridge.

In addition to brine storage, there are other ways to extend the shelf life of feta cheese. One option is to freeze the cheese, which can prolong its life for several months. However, freezing may alter the texture, making the feta crumblier. Another option is to store the feta in olive oil with herbs in an airtight container.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the flavour and versatility of feta cheese for a longer period of time.

Opened feta only lasts about a week

Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its crumbly texture and tangy taste. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. Feta has a high moisture content and a unique composition that make it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. Therefore, understanding and following proper storage methods is crucial to maintaining its freshness and flavour.

When it comes to opened feta cheese, it's important to note that it only lasts about a week in the refrigerator. This is because, once opened, feta is exposed to air and contaminants that can accelerate spoilage. To maximise its shelf life, it's recommended to store opened feta in an airtight container or submerge it in brine, a solution of salt and water, which can help maintain its freshness for up to a month.

It's worth mentioning that the packaging and storage temperature also play a role in preserving feta cheese. Properly sealed packaging helps maintain freshness, and consistent refrigeration at the correct temperature (around 34-40°F) prolongs its shelf life. Additionally, feta stored in brine stays moist and fresh longer compared to dry-stored feta.

To determine if your feta cheese has gone bad, look for visual changes such as mould growth or discolouration. Fresh feta is typically white, and if it starts to turn yellow or green, it's a sign of spoilage. You can also assess the smell and texture; fresh feta has a mild, tangy aroma and a firm, slightly crumbly texture. If your feta emits a sour or rancid odour, or becomes slimy or excessively soft, it's no longer safe to eat.

Freezing feta ruins its texture

Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, thanks to its tangy and salty flavour. Freezing feta cheese is possible and can help extend its shelf life. However, freezing feta will ruin its texture. Here's why:

Feta cheese has a high moisture content, and its unique composition makes it susceptible to spoilage. Freezing feta can alter its texture, making it crumbly and dry upon thawing. This change in texture can be even more pronounced if the feta is crumbled before freezing. As a result, the cheese may become almost grainy, which is not ideal for many dishes.

Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Dairy Research, advises against freezing feta. According to Sommer, freezing completely destroys the texture of feta cheese, even when it is thawed gently. He describes defrosted frozen feta as "over the top crumbly". While the crumbles might work as a topping, the texture is far from ideal.

If you do choose to freeze your feta, it is important to note that it will not be suitable for all dishes. Frozen feta works well in cooked dishes like pasta, casseroles, or baked goods, where texture is less important. However, it may not be suitable for fresh applications like salads.

To freeze feta, drain it from its brine and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to six months. When thawing, do so slowly in the refrigerator overnight to retain its original flavour and consistency as much as possible. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Feta without brine will go bad in a few weeks

Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its crumbly texture and tangy taste. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. Feta is often stored in brine, which helps to preserve its flavour and moisture.

Feta has a high moisture content, which makes it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. Therefore, understanding and following proper storage methods is crucial.

When stored in its original packaging, unopened feta can remain fresh for up to two months past the printed date. The key is to keep the feta at a consistent, cold temperature, typically around 34-40°F.

Once opened, feta cheese has a shorter shelf life. If properly wrapped and submerged in brine or stored in an airtight container, opened feta can last 5-7 days in the fridge. Without proper storage, it may spoil more quickly.

If you decide to store feta without brine, you can expect it to last only a few days. During this time, the cheese will slowly dry out, become more crumbly, and might grow mould if contaminated. Therefore, it is recommended to store feta in brine if you want to keep it for longer than a few days.

To make your own brine, mix one teaspoon of salt per one cup of water. Ensure that the brine covers the leftover feta entirely in an airtight container, and then place it in the fridge.

By following these storage guidelines, you can maximise the shelf life of your feta cheese, ensuring that it stays fresh and safe to consume.

Feta can be stored in olive oil to extend its shelf life

Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is loved for its tangy taste and crumbly texture. However, its high moisture content and unique composition make it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses.

When stored in the refrigerator, unopened feta cheese in its original packaging can last for up to six months. Once opened, its shelf life reduces to about a week. A simple way to extend the shelf life of feta cheese is to store it in olive oil. This can increase the shelf life of feta cheese to about two to three weeks.

Storing feta cheese in olive oil not only extends its shelf life but also enhances its flavour and texture. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This preservation method is especially useful for those who don't plan to use their feta cheese within a week but don't want to freeze it, as freezing can negatively impact the texture of feta cheese.

To store feta cheese in olive oil, start with an airtight container or jar to limit air exposure, which can cause spoilage. Ensure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination. Cut the feta cheese into smaller pieces if desired, and then fully submerge the cheese in olive oil. It is important to note that the type of olive oil used will impact the flavour of the feta cheese. Extra virgin olive oil will impart a robust, peppery flavour, while ultra-refined or light olive oil will result in a milder, more neutral taste.

While storing feta cheese in olive oil can extend its shelf life, it is still important to check the cheese periodically for signs of spoilage. Feta cheese that has gone bad may develop a very sour or overly pungent taste. Additionally, if the cheese develops a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough, it has likely been contaminated by yeast or mould and should be discarded.

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