Feta Cheese: Unopened, Crumbled, And Shelf-Life

Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cured cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries. When it comes to crumbled feta, a popular choice for salads and baking, consumers are often curious about its shelf life. Crumbled feta, commercially packaged and unopened, can be expected to last for about a week after the Sell By or Best By date on the package. However, it's important to note that the exact duration depends on storage conditions, and it should always be kept refrigerated.

Feta cheese crumbles last 3-6 months unopened in the fridge

Feta cheese is a traditional, aged cheese with a high salt content, which acts as a preservative. This means that it has a longer shelf life than other types of cheese. An unopened package of feta cheese crumbles will generally last for about 3 to 6 months in the fridge, depending on the storage conditions and the "Best By" or "Sell By" date on the package.

To maximise the shelf life of unopened feta cheese crumbles, it is important to keep them refrigerated at all times and to ensure that the package remains tightly sealed until you are ready to use the cheese. If you want to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze the unopened package of feta cheese crumbles. However, it is worth noting that frozen feta cheese may lose some of its texture and flavour, and it will be best suited for cooked dishes like sauces, soups, and casseroles.

When it comes to determining whether your feta cheese crumbles are still safe to consume, the best indicators are smell and appearance. If the cheese develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, it is best to discard the cheese.

Opened feta cheese crumbles last 5-7 days in the fridge

Opened feta cheese crumbles last 5–7 days in the fridge. Feta is a cured, aged cheese with a high salt content, which means it has a longer shelf life than other cheeses. However, once the packet is opened, the cheese is exposed to air and can go bad quickly. Feta cheese that is stored in a brine solution can last much longer, up to a few months. If you're not planning to use your feta cheese crumbles within a week, it's best to store them in a brine solution.

To make your own brine, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of water. You can also add milk and vinegar to the solution to replicate the calcium and acetic acid in commercial brines. To do this, mix 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of table salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Place the feta cheese crumbles in the brine in an airtight container and store in the fridge.

If you don't want to make your own brine, you can also store feta cheese crumbles in the freezer. This will preserve the cheese and it will thaw perfectly when you're ready to use it.

Opened feta cheese crumbles can be frozen to extend their shelf life

Feta cheese is a type of Greek cheese with a unique salty taste and bright white colour. It is often made from goat's milk, but varieties made from sheep or cow's milk can also be found. It is a key ingredient in Greek salad and is used in some truly amazing Middle Eastern recipes.

Feta cheese has a short shelf life. Leftover feta cheese blocks and crumbled feta last 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly and refrigerated. However, opened feta cheese crumbles can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Freezing is a great way to store leftover feta cheese so it lasts for months. The process is simple: start by laying the crumbled cheese on a baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, ensuring the baking sheet is lined with aluminium foil or a silicone mat. This ensures the crumbs remain separate and divided. Make sure each portion is the amount you think you will need for each serving. Then, place the crumbs in the freezer, and when they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or individual ziplock bags. Label the containers or bags with the date and place them back in the freezer.

Feta cheese can be stored in this manner for up to six months. To defrost the cheese, remove it from the freezer about 12 hours before you need to use it and place it in the fridge to thaw. Alternatively, place it in a bowl of cold water for between one and two hours.

Freezing feta cheese does affect its taste and texture. When thawed, the cheese may become brittle and crumbly, and the tangy taste may fade. However, freezing is a viable option to preserve feta cheese for a longer period.

Feta cheese is best stored in brine

The best type of salt to use is kosher salt, as it helps the cheese to keep firm. Table salt does not have the same effect. You should use water at room temperature, and if you are struggling to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt, and then combine with cold water.

To make the brine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of water. Cut the feta into cubes and place them in the brine, ensuring that all pieces of cheese are covered. You can then seal the container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.

If you are short on time, you can wrap the cheese in a dampened paper towel and keep it in a container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

If you are looking for a low-sodium option, you can marinate the cheese in olive oil instead of brine. Cut the cheese into cubes, cover with olive oil, seal the container, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Feta cheese should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature

Feta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it's important to handle it safely to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Bacteria can grow and multiply rapidly at room temperature, so it's crucial to keep feta cheese refrigerated at all times, unless it's being served or prepared. According to food safety guidelines, feta cheese crumbles, whether unopened or opened, should be discarded if left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This guideline is based on the fact that bacteria thrive in the temperature range of 40 °F to 140 °F, which is typically considered "room temperature."

Leaving feta cheese out for an extended period can create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria, such as Listeria and Salmonella, to proliferate and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. These bacteria can cause serious health issues, including fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the recommended two-hour limit to minimise the risk of bacterial growth and ensure the safety of your food.

Practising proper food handling is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect your health. In addition to the two-hour rule, it's important to follow other food safety guidelines, such as regularly checking the "Best By" or "Use By" dates on feta cheese packages and consuming or freezing the cheese within the recommended time frames.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant about food safety, you can enjoy feta cheese while minimising the risk of foodborne illnesses for yourself and others.

Frequently asked questions