Storing Feta Cheese: How Long Can You Keep It?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a rich flavour and a long shelf life. The length of time feta cheese lasts in the fridge depends on how it is stored. If stored in liquid salt brine, feta cheese can last for up to 6 months. If stored in an airtight container, feta cheese will last for about a month. If the feta cheese is dry and not stored in brine, it should be consumed within a week. Feta cheese can also be frozen and will last for about 6 months in the freezer.

Feta cheese in brine can last 3-6 months

Feta cheese is a versatile dairy product with a rich cultural heritage and distinctive culinary attributes. It is praised for its tangy flavour and crumbly texture, and is often used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese.

The shelf life of feta cheese depends on its packaging and storage conditions. An unopened package of feta cheese can last for up to six months when stored in a refrigerator. The packaging, whether in brine or vacuum-sealed plastic wrap, helps to maintain moisture levels and prevent spoilage.

Once the package of feta cheese is opened, it is important to consume it within a certain timeframe to maintain its taste and texture. Opened feta usually remains good for about five to seven days if refrigerated properly.

However, if the feta cheese is submerged in brine, its freshness can be extended to up to three to six months. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and as long as the feta is fully submerged in brine, it will last a long time. The salt in the brine inhibits bacterial growth, ensuring the cheese remains safe to consume over time.

To make your own brine, mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. You can also add milk and vinegar to replicate the calcium and acetic acid in commercial brines. Make sure to use enough brine to completely cover the feta cheese and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storing feta cheese in brine is an effective way to extend its shelf life and enhance its distinct flavour profile. It is a traditional practice that has been used for centuries to preserve the cheese and is still used today to maintain the quality and safety of this popular cheese.

Opened feta lasts 3-7 days without brine

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. While feta cheese in brine can last for several months, opened feta without brine will only last 3-7 days in the refrigerator.

When storing opened feta, it's best to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. This will help to reduce exposure to air and moisture, which can cause the cheese to dry out or become mouldy. Even with proper storage, opened feta will only last about a week in the fridge.

If you want your feta to last longer, you can try submerging it in brine. Brine is a solution of salt and water that helps to preserve the texture and flavour of the cheese. You can either reuse the brine that the feta came in or make your own by dissolving 1-2 teaspoons of salt per cup of water. Just be aware that homemade brine may make your feta taste saltier.

Storing feta in brine can extend its shelf life to about a month. However, it's important to make sure that the cheese is fully submerged in the brine and that the container is airtight to prevent contamination. If you're not sure if your feta is still good, look for signs of spoilage such as mould, discolouration, a strong sour smell, or texture changes. If you see any of these signs, it's best to discard the cheese.

In summary, opened feta will last about a week in the refrigerator if stored properly. To extend its shelf life, you can submerge it in brine, which will keep it fresh for about a month. Just be mindful of the increased saltiness that may come with storing feta in brine.

Feta can be frozen to extend its life

Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in dishes such as Greek salad, dips, and baked pasta. It is an aged cheese that is typically brined, giving it a longer shelf life than other cheeses. However, feta can also be frozen to extend its lifespan even further.

Freezing feta cheese can alter its texture and flavour. Food stylist Fred Hardy and Director of Specialty Merchandising at Baldor, Emily Murphy, note that freezing feta will make it drier and crumblier. Chef-instructor Richard LaMarita agrees, stating that frozen feta loses its characteristic combination of saltiness, moisture, and freshness. For this reason, LaMarita recommends using frozen feta in cooked dishes where the texture is less important, such as casseroles or stews.

There are several methods for freezing feta cheese. One option is to vacuum seal the cheese after pouring off the brine. This helps to preserve the acidity level of the feta and prevents changes to the curd structure. Another method is to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in a freezer bag, ensuring that excess air is squeezed out. Freezing feta in portions is also recommended to avoid thawing too much at once.

When stored in the refrigerator, feta cheese typically lasts for 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly. Submerging the cheese in brine can extend its lifespan to about a month. However, by freezing feta cheese, it can be safely stored for an indefinite period, although the quality may begin to diminish after 6 months.

In summary, while freezing feta cheese may alter its texture and flavour, it is a viable option for extending the lifespan of this popular ingredient. By using appropriate storage methods, such as vacuum sealing or wrapping tightly in plastic, feta can be safely frozen and later incorporated into cooked dishes where its altered texture will be less noticeable.

Feta is spoiled if it's mouldy, smells sour, or is dry

Feta cheese is a delicious, tangy treat, but it can be tricky to store. The good news is that it's easy to tell when feta has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat.

Feta is a moist cheese, and if contaminated, mould can quickly spread through it. If you see any spots of greenish mould on the cheese, the whole block must be discarded. Don't try to scrape it off as you would with a harder cheese like Parmesan.

Feta cheese should have a slightly acidic odour, but if this becomes much stronger, or if it starts to smell yeasty, like bread dough, then it has gone bad. Trust your nose—if it smells off, don't eat it.

Feta cheese should be stored in brine to extend its life. If it is dry, it will only last about a week before becoming inedible. If your feta has been stored in a homemade brine and tastes too salty, you can soak it in plain water for a few hours to improve the taste. However, if the feta has dried out, started to crumble, or become slimy, it has passed its prime and should be discarded.

Store feta in the fridge at a consistent temperature

Feta cheese is a versatile and popular ingredient, but it's perishable and should be stored correctly. Storing feta in the fridge at a consistent temperature is crucial to maintaining its quality and safety.

Feta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, making it susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage if not stored properly. Keeping it chilled slows down bacterial activity and helps preserve its freshness.

An unopened package of feta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator, where it will typically last for up to six months. It should be kept in its original sealed packaging, such as brine or vacuum-sealed plastic wrap, to maintain moisture levels and prevent spoilage. This packaging helps retain the optimal texture and protects the cheese from harmful bacteria.

Once the package is opened, the shelf life of feta cheese decreases significantly. To extend its longevity, it is recommended to store the cheese in an airtight container submerged in brine. Brine is a saltwater solution that helps preserve the texture and flavour of the cheese. With proper brine storage, feta can last for around a month in the refrigerator.

If you choose not to use brine, opened feta cheese should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to minimise exposure to air and moisture. It should be consumed within 5 to 7 days to prevent spoilage.

By following these storage guidelines and maintaining a consistent temperature in the fridge, you can ensure the longevity, quality, and safety of your feta cheese.

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