Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a long shelf life. However, once opened, it only lasts about a week in the fridge. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in olive oil or brine, which can maintain its freshness for up to a month. Storing feta in olive oil not only helps to seal it off from outside contaminants but also adds a more complex flavour to the cheese. On the other hand, storing feta in brine is a classic preservation method that can keep the cheese fresh for longer, but it will make the cheese saltier over time.

Feta cheese in olive oil

Feta cheese is a soft cheese, and as such, it tends to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Once opened, feta cheese will last around a week in the fridge. However, there are ways to extend its shelf life. One effective method is to store the feta in olive oil.

Storing feta cheese in olive oil can increase its freshness for up to 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 thereby delaying spoilage.

To store feta cheese in olive oil, start with an airtight container or jar to limit the cheese's exposure to air, which can expedite spoilage. Ensure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination. Cut the feta block into smaller pieces or leave it whole, but make sure it is fully submerged in olive oil.

The type of olive oil used will impact the flavour of the feta. Extra virgin olive oil will give the cheese a robust, peppery flavour, while ultra-refined or light olive oil will result in a milder, more neutral taste. Storing feta in olive oil will also affect the texture, creating a creamy mouthfeel and preventing the cheese from drying out.

Even when stored in olive oil, feta cheese can still go bad. Check it periodically for signs of spoilage. If the feta develops a yeasty or dough-like smell, it has gone bad.

Feta cheese in brine

Feta cheese is a soft cheese, which means it tends to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Once opened, soft cheeses will last in the fridge for around one to two weeks. However, feta cheese in brine is a different story.

Feta cheese stored in brine can last for up to six months if unopened and stored correctly. To store it correctly, keep the cheese in its original container, ensuring the block is completely submerged in brine and that no contamination has occurred.

If you have opened feta cheese in brine, it will last for about a month. To ensure it lasts this long, make sure the cheese is fully submerged in brine and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

You can also extend the shelf life of feta cheese by storing it in olive oil. 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 method will keep the feta fresh for two to three weeks.

How to store feta cheese blocks

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a rich flavour and a relatively long shelf life. However, once opened, feta cheese blocks have a much shorter lifespan. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store feta cheese blocks to prolong their freshness:

Storing Feta Cheese Blocks:

Original Packaging:

If your feta cheese block is unopened, it can be stored in its original packaging in the refrigerator. Feta cheese submerged in brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. Ensure that the block is completely covered in brine and avoid any contamination.

Short-Term Storage:

Once the feta cheese block is opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a shorter period. Wrap the cheese with plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag, or use an airtight container. It should be consumed within a few days to a week to ensure freshness.

Long-Term Storage:

For extended storage, creating your own brine solution is recommended. Submerging the feta cheese block in brine can increase its lifespan to about a month. To make a brine solution, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of water. Prepare enough solution to completely cover the cheese block in an airtight container, and then refrigerate.

Alternative Storage Option:

Another option for storing feta cheese blocks is to use olive oil instead of brine. Submerging the cheese in olive oil creates a barrier that protects it from bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. It also adds a complex flavour to the cheese as it absorbs the aromatic compounds from the oil. Use extra virgin olive oil for a robust, peppery flavour or ultra-refined/light olive oil for a milder taste.

Signs of Spoilage:

When storing feta cheese blocks, it is important to periodically check for signs of spoilage. Feta cheese may develop mold, discolouration, or texture changes. If the cheese becomes slimy or excessively crumbly, it should be discarded. Additionally, an off-smell or a strong acidic odour indicates that the cheese has gone bad.

How to store crumbled feta cheese

Feta cheese is a versatile and tasty ingredient, but it can be tricky to keep it fresh. Here are some tips to help you store crumbled feta cheese effectively:

Use an Airtight Container

Start with an airtight container or jar to shield the cheese from air exposure as much as possible. Air exposure can expedite spoilage, so it's important to minimise it. Make sure the container is clean and dry before transferring the cheese to avoid any contamination.

Store in Brine or Olive Oil

Storing feta cheese in brine or olive oil can extend its shelf life. Feta is often sold in a briny solution, which is a classic preservation method. However, olive oil can also be used and has the added benefit of developing a more complex flavour in the cheese. The fat in olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, sealing it off from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. This method can maintain freshness for up to three weeks.

Keep it Refrigerated

Feta cheese, whether crumbled or in blocks, should be stored in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is below 40°F (4°C) to ensure the cheese stays fresh and slows down bacterial growth.

Check for Spoilage

Even with proper storage, feta cheese can spoil over time. Check it periodically for signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or an off smell. If the cheese becomes too salty, you can rinse it with water or submerge it in water for half an hour before serving to reduce the saltiness.

Avoid Freezing

While feta cheese can be frozen, it is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture. Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist, states that freezing "completely destroys the texture of feta cheese, even when it is thawed gently in the refrigerator."

By following these steps, you can effectively store crumbled feta cheese and maintain its freshness for a longer period.

Signs of spoilage

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding a tangy, salty flavour to dishes. However, it is a perishable food and can spoil if not stored correctly. Here are some signs of spoilage to look out for:

Mould

If you see any fuzzy or discoloured spots on the surface of the cheese, it is a clear indication that your feta has spoiled. Common mould colours include white, green, blue or black. It is important to discard the whole block if mould is present, as mould can produce harmful toxins.

Yeasty aroma

A yeasty smell, like proofed bread dough, indicates that your feta has gone bad. This is because yeast is salt and acid tolerant, and feta cheese provides a near-perfect growth medium.

Harsh, unbalanced flavours

Feta should taste fresh and mildly tangy. If your feta tastes overly piquant, bitter, rancid or otherwise unbalanced, it has spoiled. These off-flavours are caused by the breakdown of the cheese's components by bacteria or mould.

Rancid smell or taste

Rancidity is a common sign of spoilage in fats and oils. If your feta smells or tastes rancid, it means the fats in the cheese have oxidised and degraded. This can be caused by improper storage or prolonged exposure to air.

Discoloured appearance

Feta cheese is usually bright white. If you notice any discolouration, such as yellowing, browning or darkening, it is a sign that the cheese has spoiled. Discolouration often occurs alongside other signs of spoilage, such as mould growth or an unpleasant odour.

Sour or bitter taste

Fresh feta has a slightly salty, tangy flavour. A sour or bitter taste is a strong indication that your feta has gone bad, caused by the breakdown of the cheese by bacteria or mould.

Slimy or sticky texture

Fresh feta should have a firm, crumbly texture. If you notice a slimy or sticky texture, it is a sign of bacterial growth and deterioration, and the cheese is no longer safe to eat.

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