Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last Once Opened?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a long shelf life. But how long does it last once opened?

Feta cheese that is sealed tightly and refrigerated will last 5-7 days. If submerged in brine, it can last up to a month. Feta cheese blocks and crumbled feta are best submerged in brine to extend their shelf life.

Brine is a solution of salt and water, and as long as feta is fully submerged in brine, it will be protected from drying out, crumbling, and growing mould.

Feta in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a rich flavour and a long shelf life. The length of time feta lasts after opening depends on how it is stored. If you're storing feta in brine, it can last for up to six months if stored correctly.

Feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Soft cheeses last one to two weeks in the fridge after opening, while most hard cheeses last three to four weeks. However, feta in brine is an exception to this rule.

Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly. This means keeping the cheese in its original container and ensuring that the block is completely submerged in brine. It's important to take care to avoid contamination. If you don't have enough brine, you can make your own by mixing half a cup of whole milk, half a cup of water, one and a half teaspoons of table salt, and half a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar.

Feta that is not stored in brine will last for a much shorter time. Leftover feta cheese blocks and crumbled feta last five to seven days if sealed tightly and refrigerated. If you submerge the feta block or crumbles in brine, they will stay good for about a month.

It's important to note that feta cheese that has been frozen will not have the same texture as fresh feta. Freezing is not recommended if you plan to eat the feta as it is, rather than cooking with it.

Feta without brine lasts for about a week

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a rich flavour and a relatively long shelf life. However, once the cheese is removed from its brine, its lifespan is significantly reduced.

Feta cheese that is not stored in brine will only last for about a week. 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 growth.

Without the brine, feta will develop a bitter taste and become inedible within seven days. The high salt content of brine acts as a preservative, inhibiting bacterial growth and extending the cheese's lifespan.

It is important to note that even feta cheese stored in brine should be consumed within six months and properly stored in its original container with the block of cheese completely submerged in the brine.

Additionally, it is crucial to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, unpleasant odours, or harsh flavours, as these indicate that the cheese has expired and should be discarded.

Feta can be frozen but it may affect the texture

Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, adding a tangy and salty flavour to dishes. But how long does it last once opened? And can you freeze it?

The length of time that feta cheese can last depends on a few factors, including whether you refrigerate it in the brine solution it came in, or store it in the fridge or freezer.

Feta will gradually lose its freshness and become drier over time. If kept in the fridge without brine, feta will only last a few days to a week. However, if refrigerated in brine, it can last three to four weeks.

Yes, feta cheese can be frozen, but it may affect the texture and taste. Feta has a high moisture content, which makes it suitable for freezing and can help preserve its freshness. However, freezing feta will make it drier and crumblier, so it's best used in cooked dishes like casseroles or stews, rather than fresh salads.

• Store feta cheese properly before freezing by keeping it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
• It is recommended to crumble the cheese before freezing for easier handling and thawing.
• Do not freeze feta cheese directly in its brine as this can affect the texture. Instead, remove the cheese from the brine before freezing.
• Feta cheese can be frozen for up to six months. Label the container with the date it was frozen to keep track of its storage time.
• It is not advisable to refreeze feta cheese once it has been thawed as this can negatively impact its quality.
• Thaw feta cheese by transferring the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and letting it thaw slowly for several hours or overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Frozen feta cheese is best used in cooked dishes, such as pasta, casseroles, or baked goods, rather than fresh salads.
• The taste of frozen feta cheese may differ slightly from fresh cheese, but it will still have its characteristic tangy flavour.
• Flavoured or seasoned feta cheese can also be frozen but the added flavours or seasonings may diminish slightly.

In conclusion:

Feta cheese can be frozen, but it may affect the texture and taste. By following the above guidelines, you can maintain the quality and taste of feta cheese even after freezing and reduce waste.

Feta is spoiled if there are spots of greenish mould or it smells like yeast

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a rich flavour and a relatively long shelf life. However, it's important to know when your feta has spoiled and needs to be discarded.

Feta cheese that is spoiled will typically exhibit one or more of the following signs:

• Spots of greenish mould: If you notice any spots of mould on your feta cheese, it's important to discard the entire block. Mould can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, and consuming moulded cheese can lead to food poisoning.
• Yeasty aroma: Feta cheese should have a fresh, mildly tangy aroma. If your feta smells like yeast or proofed bread dough, it has gone bad. This yeasty smell indicates the growth of yeast, which can produce unpleasant flavours and make the cheese unsafe to consume.
• Harsh, unbalanced flavours: Fresh feta should have a mild, tangy taste. If your feta tastes overly bitter, rancid, or otherwise unbalanced, it has likely surpassed its prime and should be discarded.

In addition to these signs, always inspect your feta cheese for any visible signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, dryness, or changes in texture. Trust your senses and avoid consuming the cheese if it looks or smells suspicious.

To prolong the life of your feta cheese, proper storage is essential. Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the block completely submerged in brine and cared for to avoid contamination. For dry-packed feta, it is recommended to consume the product within a week of opening the package.

Feta is a soft cheese and soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses

Feta is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Soft cheeses are at a much greater risk of spoilage if left at room temperature. This is because they have a higher moisture content, which provides the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Soft cheeses are also less acidic than hard cheeses, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth.

Feta cheese in particular lasts about a week in the fridge. If it is stored in brine, it can last up to three months. Without brine, feta will go bad in a few weeks, even in the fridge.

To extend the shelf life of soft cheeses like feta, proper storage is key. Feta sold in brine should be kept in the liquid with a secure lid. For other soft cheeses, they can be wrapped in foil or cheese paper and kept in an airtight container.

It's important to note that the moment a wedge of cheese is cut from the wheel, it starts to decline in quality. Therefore, it is recommended to only buy cheese for the week ahead.

Frequently asked questions