Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but how long does a block of feta cheese last? Feta is a soft and crumbly cheese with a distinct tangy flavour. It is often sold in brine, which helps to preserve it. When stored correctly, feta cheese can last for several months. However, once opened, it should be consumed within a week to ensure freshness and avoid spoilage. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and taste of the cheese. It's important to regularly check feta cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in colour, odour, texture, or the presence of mould.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta in brine | Lasts for up to a week in the fridge |
| Feta without brine | Lasts only a few days |
| Feta in brine stored in airtight containers | Lasts for up to 6 months |
| Feta without brine in airtight containers | Lasts for up to 3 months |
| Feta stored in the freezer | Lasts for up to 3 months |
| Indicators of spoilage | Change in colour, strong odour, oozing texture, hardening, or presence of mould |
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What You'll Learn
Feta in brine lasts longer
Feta is a soft and crumbly cheese with a tangy aroma and a unique flavour. It is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and sits in salt water, also known as brine, for its entire life. This brine not only helps to preserve the moisture in the cheese and prevent bacteria from forming, but it also contributes to its flavour.
Feta cheese has a longer shelf life than most other cheeses. Unopened feta stored in brine can stay good for around a month in the fridge. However, once the seal is broken, the cheese will last only about a week before it starts to spoil. Therefore, it is recommended to store opened feta in an airtight container filled with brine to extend its shelf life. The brine should completely cover the cheese, so you may need to slice or cube the feta to ensure it is fully submerged. Additionally, it is important to keep the brine clean and replace it if it becomes murky.
Feta stored in this manner can last for several weeks to months in the refrigerator. It is important to use clean utensils when handling the cheese and to avoid leaving it exposed to the air for too long to prevent mould growth. Some sources suggest that feta stored in brine can last for even longer periods, but it is always important to check for signs of spoilage before consumption.
Signs of spoilage in feta cheese include mould, discolouration, an extra sour or acrid smell, and a slimy texture. If any of these indicators are present, it is best to discard the cheese. Properly storing feta in brine is essential to prolong its freshness and prevent waste.
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Signs of spoilage
Feta cheese is a beloved crumbly and tangy treat, but it can go bad. Proper storage is key to prolonging the freshness of feta cheese. It is important to recognise the signs of spoilage to ensure safety and quality.
The number one indicator that your feta should be tossed is mould. While some hard cheeses can be salvaged by cutting off the affected area, feta is too moist and mould can easily permeate it. If there is any mould or unusual smell, discard the cheese immediately to prevent potential health hazards.
The colour of the cheese may change and darken, and its texture could become oozy and mushy, or it might dry out and harden. A slightly acidic odour is normal for feta, but if the smell becomes way stronger and sour, the cheese is no good. If stored in a homemade brine, the cheese might taste too salty. This can be fixed by submerging the feta in plain water for a few hours.
If the feta is unopened, it can last anywhere from a few months to a year, often maintaining its quality a couple of weeks beyond the printed date. Once opened, feta cheese's shelf life varies. If kept in its original packaging or container, it can last three to five days. However, if submerged in brine, it can extend its shelf life to over a month. For even better results, use a glass container, as it better resists odours and maintains a stable environment.
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Freezing feta
Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. However, freezing feta cheese can alter its texture, making it drier, crumbly, and less creamy. It can also lose some of its salty flavour. Due to these changes, it is recommended to use feta in cooked dishes rather than fresh salads after it has been frozen.
To freeze feta cheese, it is important to minimise air exposure as dairy is susceptible to odour absorption, which is made worse by freezer burn. It is recommended to cut the feta into meal-sized portions and dry the cheese with a paper towel before wrapping it in plastic wrap or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn. Then, place each piece in a freezer bag and seal it. You can also vacuum seal the feta for extra freshness. It is important to label the bag with the date it was frozen.
Feta cheese can be frozen for up to three months and should be thawed in the fridge overnight before use. It can also be thawed by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
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Feta's shelf life
Feta is a soft and crumbly cheese with a tangy aroma and flavour. Its shelf life depends on several factors, including whether it is opened or unopened, stored in brine, and frozen.
Unopened feta cheese should last about a week past its printed expiry date. Once opened, feta has a shelf life of about 5-7 days, regardless of its expiry date. However, if stored in brine, opened feta can last up to a week in the fridge, while non-brined feta may last only a few days. Brined feta can also be stored outside the fridge and will last for about 5-6 months.
Feta can be frozen to extend its shelf life. To freeze feta, remove it from its packaging, pat it dry, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Frozen feta can last up to three months. However, freezing is known to affect the texture of the cheese, so it is not recommended by some experts.
When determining whether feta is still good to eat, there are several indicators to look out for. If the cheese has developed a strong odour, changed colour, or become oozy, mushy, or hard, it should be discarded. The presence of mould is also a sure sign that the feta has gone bad. If the feta is stored in brine, the brine should be regularly checked. If the liquid looks murky, the old brine should be replaced with a new one.
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High salt content
Feta is a soft and crumbly cheese with a high salt content, which acts as a preservative. This means that feta stored in brine can last for a long time, even without refrigeration. Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly, with the block of cheese completely submerged in brine. The brine should be regularly monitored and replaced if it becomes murky.
The high salt content of feta is responsible for its extended shelf life. Salt acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and slowing down the deterioration of the cheese. This is why feta stored in brine can last for several months, while non-brined feta may only last a few days.
To further extend the shelf life of feta, some people choose to freeze it. However, freezing can alter the texture of the cheese, and it is not recommended by all sources. Those who do choose to freeze their feta should remove it from its packaging, pat it dry, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen feta can be stored for up to three months and should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before use.
It is important to note that while salt preserves feta, it is possible to have too much salt in the brine. This can cause the cheese to dry out and become overly salty over time. To avoid this, some people recommend creating a brine with milk and vinegar in addition to salt and water. This replicates the calcium and acetic acid found in commercial brines and helps to keep the cheese fresher for longer.
In summary, the high salt content of feta cheese is a key factor in determining how long it lasts. When stored in brine, feta can last for several months, even without refrigeration. The salt preserves the cheese, inhibiting microbial growth and slowing deterioration. However, care must be taken to maintain the correct salt concentration and fully immerse the cheese in the brine to ensure its longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese should last a week past its printed date if unopened.
Opened feta stored in brine will keep for up to a week in the fridge, while non-brined feta may last only a few days.
Feta stored in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly.
Feta cheese can go bad if it develops a strong odour, changes colour, becomes oozy and mushy, dries out, or grows mould.
Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life, although some say that freezing destroys the texture of the cheese.
