Feta Cheese In Olive Oil: How Long Does It Last?

Feta cheese is a delicious but expensive treat, and it can be a shame to throw it away if you don't get through it quickly enough. Storing it in olive oil is a great way to extend its shelf life by two to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes, and the oil also infuses the feta with a more complex flavour.

Feta in olive oil lasts 2-3 weeks

Feta cheese is a delicious, tangy treat, but it can be expensive, and it's a shame to throw it away. The good news is that you can extend its shelf life by storing it in olive oil. This method will keep your feta fresh for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator, and it's also a great way to enhance its flavour.

The reason feta lasts longer in olive oil is that the fat in the oil creates a barrier around the cheese. This seals it off from outside contaminants, protecting it against bacteria, yeast, and other microbes that cause spoilage. As an added bonus, the cheese will absorb the aromatic compounds in the olive oil, giving it a more complex flavour.

To store your feta in olive oil, start by cutting it into cubes or slices. Place the cheese into a clean, dry, airtight container or jar, and cover it completely with olive oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil for a robust, peppery flavour or opt for a milder, more neutral taste with ultra-refined or light olive oil.

Make sure to store your feta and oil in the refrigerator and seal the container tightly after each use. It's also a good idea to check it periodically for signs of spoilage. While olive oil does extend the life of feta, it won't last indefinitely. If the cheese develops a very sour or pungent taste or a smell reminiscent of yeast or dough, it's time to discard it.

In addition to olive oil, you can also add herbs and spices to your feta for even more flavour. Try adding some dried oregano, fresh rosemary, or lemon zest to your jar for a Mediterranean kick. Just remember to let your feta come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy its creamy texture and enhanced flavour!

Commercial feta may last 1-2 weeks

Commercial feta cheese stored in olive oil will typically last for 1-2 weeks. This is a much shorter timeframe than unopened feta, which can last for up to six months in the fridge. However, by marinating feta in olive oil, you can extend its shelf life by a few days.

The reason for this is that 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 delays spoilage and helps to maintain the cheese's moisture, resulting in a lusciously creamy mouthfeel.

To ensure the maximum shelf life of feta cheese in olive oil, it is important to follow proper storage procedures. Firstly, choose an airtight container or jar to minimise the cheese's exposure to air, as this can expedite spoilage. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the cheese, and fully submerge the cheese in the oil to prevent it from going off.

Additionally, it is important to use a high-quality olive oil and store the feta in the refrigerator. Bring the feta to room temperature before serving, as the olive oil will congeal in the fridge.

By following these steps, you can expect your commercial feta cheese stored in olive oil to last for 1-2 weeks.

Homemade feta can last 6 months to a year

Homemade feta can last between six months and a year when stored in olive oil. This is a much longer shelf life than commercial feta, which tends to last between one and three weeks when stored in the same way.

To maximise the lifespan of homemade feta stored in olive oil, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, the feta should be cut into cubes and placed in a sterilised jar. The olive oil should then be poured in, ensuring that the cheese is completely submerged. It is also beneficial to add herbs and spices to the jar for extra flavour. The jar should be sealed and left at room temperature for one to two hours before being placed in the refrigerator. It is important to note that the oil will congeal in the refrigerator, so the feta should be allowed to sit at room temperature for one to two hours before serving to allow the oil to liquify.

In addition to extending the shelf life of the feta, storing it in olive oil also enhances its flavour and makes it a delicious addition to salads, pasta dishes, or roasted vegetables. The leftover olive oil can also be used to make salad dressings, adding a tasty touch to any meal.

Olive oil creates a barrier, sealing cheese from contaminants

Feta cheese is a great snack to keep in your fridge, but it can be frustrating when it goes off quickly. The good news is that you can extend its shelf life by storing it in olive oil. This method can keep your feta fresh for two to three weeks, and it's all thanks to the fat in the olive oil.

The fat in olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, sealing it off from outside contaminants. This barrier prevents bacteria, yeast, and other microbes from reaching the cheese, thereby delaying spoilage. Essentially, the olive oil acts as a protective layer, keeping the feta fresh and edible for a longer period.

To ensure the olive oil method is effective, it's important to follow proper storage procedures. Firstly, use an airtight container or jar to minimise the cheese's exposure to air, as air can expedite spoilage. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the cheese to avoid any contamination. You can cut the feta into smaller pieces or leave it whole, but ensure that it is fully submerged in the olive oil.

Additionally, always seal the jar tightly after each use and store it in the refrigerator. It is also recommended to use high-quality olive oil, as this will help to avoid bitterness and prolong the cheese's freshness.

Not only does storing feta in olive oil extend its shelf life, but it also enhances its flavour. The cheese absorbs the aromatic compounds present in the olive oil, resulting in a more complex and robust taste profile. So, the next time you want to enjoy feta cheese, consider using this simple preservation method to keep it fresh and flavourful.

Use airtight containers to shield cheese from air exposure

Feta cheese is a delicious but delicate product, and it can be a shame to throw it away if you don't eat it quickly enough. Fortunately, storing it in olive oil is a great way to extend its shelf life by two to three weeks. This is because the fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes.

To get the full benefits of this method, it's important to use airtight containers to shield the cheese from air exposure. This is because, despite the protective effects of the olive oil, exposure to air can still expedite spoilage. Therefore, it's best to use a container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar or another type of jar with a sealable lid.

Before transferring the cheese to the container, ensure that the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination. Then, cut the feta into cubes or slices and place them into the jar. Make sure the cheese is fully submerged in the oil, and top up the jar with more oil if needed.

In addition to olive oil, you can also add herbs and spices to further enhance the flavour of the feta. Some popular options include dried oregano, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and chilli peppers. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. The olive oil will solidify in the fridge, so let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving to allow it to liquify.

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