Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its tangy taste and crumbly texture. Its high moisture content and unique composition make it more susceptible to spoilage compared to harder cheeses. The shelf life of feta cheese can vary depending on several factors, including packaging, storage conditions, and whether it is submerged in brine. Properly stored feta cheese can last beyond its printed date, but it is important to be vigilant about signs of spoilage to avoid any potential health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leftover feta cheese blocks and crumbled feta | 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly and refrigerated |
| Submerging the feta block or crumbles in brine | Good for about a month |
| Feta cheese sold in liquid | Extended shelf life |
| Feta cheese without brine | 5 to 10 days of storage |
| Feta cheese in brine or milk bath | Up to three months |
| Unopened feta cheese | Up to two months past the printed date |
| Opened feta cheese | 5 to 7 days in the fridge |
| Opened feta cheese without proper storage | May spoil quickly |
| Feta cheese past its expiration date | Risky, check for signs of spoilage |
| Soft cheeses | Last about 1-2 weeks beyond their printed dates |
| Fridge temperature for feta cheese | 34-40°F |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese stored in brine can last up to a month
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is highly perishable due to its high moisture content. Therefore, proper storage is crucial to preserving its freshness, flavour, and texture. When stored in its original packaging, unopened feta cheese can remain fresh for up to two months past the printed date. However, once opened, feta cheese has a shorter shelf life, typically lasting 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to submerge it in brine. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and when feta is submerged in it, the cheese can last for about a month. Storing feta in brine is a great option as it not only increases the storage time by a factor of 4 but also helps maintain the cheese's flavour and moisture.
It is important to note that feta cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator, whether it is sealed or submerged in brine. Additionally, the refrigerator temperature should be maintained at around 34-40°F to ensure the cheese stays fresh.
While brine helps extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is still important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage. Spoiled feta cheese may exhibit a strong acidic odour, discolouration, texture changes, or mould growth. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded.
In summary, feta cheese stored in brine can last up to a month, but it is crucial to practise proper food hygiene and regularly check the cheese to ensure it is safe to consume.
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Unopened feta can last up to two months past the printed date
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. It is known for its high moisture content and crumbly texture. When unopened, feta cheese can last for up to two months past the printed date when stored properly in its original packaging in the refrigerator. The key is to maintain a consistent cold temperature, typically around 34-40°F.
Feta cheese has a shorter shelf life once it is opened. To extend its shelf life, it is recommended to store opened feta in an airtight container or submerge it in brine. This will help maintain its freshness, flavour, and texture. When stored in this manner, opened feta can last for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that feta cheese is susceptible to spoilage due to its high moisture content. Signs of spoilage include an off smell, a slimy texture, discolouration, or the presence of mould. If any of these signs are present, the feta cheese should be discarded.
Additionally, feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freezing feta helps preserve its texture and flavour. However, it is important to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques is crucial when handling feta cheese to prevent foodborne illnesses. While unopened feta can last up to two months past its printed date, it is always recommended to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption.
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Opened feta cheese should be consumed within 5-7 days
Feta cheese is a soft cheese that is highly perishable and susceptible to spoilage. It is typically made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep and goat's milk. Its high moisture content and unique composition make it more prone to spoilage than harder cheeses. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper storage methods to maintain its freshness, flavour, and texture.
It is important to note that even with proper storage, feta cheese can still spoil within 5-7 days. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consumption. Some indicators of spoiled feta cheese include an unpleasant or yeasty odour, discolouration or dark spots on the surface, a slimy texture, and mould growth. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded immediately.
Additionally, feta cheese that has been crumbled and dried can last longer than fresh feta. When stored in a brine or milk bath, crumbled feta can remain safe to consume for up to three months. However, it is important to regularly examine the cheese for any signs of spoilage, as contamination can still occur even in brined cheeses.
To summarise, opened feta cheese should be consumed within 5-7 days when stored properly in an airtight container or brine. However, it is essential to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage to ensure it is safe for consumption.
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Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life
Feta cheese is a soft, moist cheese that is often sold in blocks packaged with brine, or crumbled and ready to use. It has a mild and tangy taste, and its smell, flavour, and texture can vary between brands and types, such as Greek, Bulgarian, or French feta.
When stored in the refrigerator, leftover feta cheese blocks and crumbled feta typically last for 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly. However, submerging the cheese in brine can extend its shelf life to about a month. Brine is a solution of salt and water, and it effectively preserves feta cheese, inhibiting spoilage.
While freezing is a common method to extend the shelf life of various foods, opinions differ on whether feta cheese can be frozen without significantly impacting its texture and taste. Some sources assert that freezing feta cheese is possible but may alter its texture and taste. Freezing can make the cheese crumbly and potentially affect its saltiness, resulting in a blander flavour. Therefore, it is recommended to consume frozen feta within a month and defrost it gently in the refrigerator or a bowl of cold water. Additionally, proper preparation is crucial, such as patting the cheese dry before freezing to prevent the formation of crystals that can deteriorate taste and texture.
On the other hand, some experts, like cheese technologist Dean Sommer, advise against freezing feta cheese, claiming that it "completely destroys" the texture. Instead, they suggest storing feta in brine to prolong its freshness.
In summary, while it is technically possible to freeze feta cheese to extend its shelf life, the process may compromise the cheese's texture and flavour. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits of extended storage against potential changes in the quality of the cheese.
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Signs of spoilage include an off smell, slimy texture, and discolouration
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. Unopened feta cheese 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 3 to 5 days. However, if submerged in brine, it can extend its shelf life to over a month.
Feta cheese can go bad, and it is important to recognize the signs of spoilage to ensure safety and quality. The most obvious signs that feta cheese has gone bad include an off smell, a change in texture, and visible mould growth. A slightly acidic odour is normal for feta, but if it becomes much stronger, the cheese is no good. Spoiled feta cheese has a yeasty, unpleasant odour that you'll quickly notice. If the cheese has developed a slimy texture, it's past its prime. Feta is a moist cheese, and mould easily permeates it. If you notice mould, throw the entire cheese away immediately. Mould on feta can produce toxins that cause foodborne illnesses.
Proper storage is key to prolonging the freshness of feta cheese. Always ensure it is kept in a cool environment, ideally in the refrigerator, and consider using brine to extend its usability. Submerging feta cheese in brine can significantly extend its shelf life, often up to a month. To prepare a brine solution, dissolve 2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 to 2 cups of water. The solution's saltiness can be adjusted based on personal preference. Ensure the feta is completely submerged in the brine before sealing it in an airtight container. This method preserves the cheese's moisture and flavour while inhibiting bacterial growth. For even better results, use a glass container, as it better resists odours and maintains a stable environment.
Freezing feta cheese is another option for extending its shelf life. Before freezing, it is advisable to cut the feta into smaller portions. Place these portions in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Another option is to wrap the feta in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil for added protection. Freezing feta cheese changes its texture and risks altering its taste profile.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened feta cheese can remain fresh for up to two months past the printed date when stored properly in its original packaging. Opened feta cheese has a shelf life of 5-7 days when properly stored in an airtight container or brine.
Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. To do this, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also submerge feta blocks or crumbles in brine, which will keep the cheese good for about a month.
Feta cheese that has gone bad may have an off smell, a slimy texture, or discolouration. Spoiled feta cheese may also have a yeasty, unpleasant odour and noticeable mould.
You can reduce the saltiness of feta cheese by rinsing it with water or submerging it in water for half an hour before serving.
