Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, it's important to know how long feta cheese can last to ensure food safety and maintain its freshness. Feta cheese that is unopened and stored correctly can last for up to six months in the refrigerator. On the other hand, once the feta cheese package is opened, it is recommended to consume it within seven days to ensure optimal quality and safety. Proper storage methods, such as keeping the cheese submerged in brine or olive oil, can help extend the shelf life of feta cheese.

Feta cheese in brine can last up to six months if unopened

Feta cheese is a beloved dairy product with a rich flavour and a long shelf life. It is a traditional cheese with a fresh, milky tang that is often stored in brine, a classic preservation method. Feta cheese in brine can last up to six months if unopened, providing consumers with a substantial amount of time to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

The longevity of feta cheese in brine is due to the salt content, which acts as a preservative. This high salt concentration effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, thereby delaying spoilage. It is important to ensure that the cheese is fully immersed in the brine solution to maximise its shelf life.

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality of feta cheese. It is recommended to keep the cheese in its original container or package, ensuring that the block is completely submerged in the brine. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid contamination by using clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine.

While unopened feta cheese in brine can last up to six months, its longevity is dependent on correct storage conditions. The ideal temperature for storing feta cheese is below 40°F (4°C). Storing the cheese at higher temperatures increases the risk of bacterial growth and accelerates spoilage.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that once the feta cheese package is opened, the timeframe for consumption is significantly reduced. Opened feta cheese in brine should be consumed within seven days to ensure optimal freshness and safety.

In summary, feta cheese in brine boasts an impressive shelf life of up to six months if left unopened and stored correctly. This longevity is attributed to the preservative properties of the brine solution and the salt content. However, once opened, consumers should aim to finish the cheese within a week to prevent spoilage and maintain the best quality.

Opened feta cheese should be consumed within a week

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, once opened, it's best to consume it within a week to ensure optimal freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you make the most of your opened feta cheese:

Storage Recommendations:

• Opened feta cheese should be consumed within a week.
• To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container and fully submerge it in olive oil. This creates a barrier, protecting the cheese from contaminants, bacteria, and yeast.
• Alternatively, you can make your own brine solution by mixing ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup water, 1½ teaspoons of table salt, and ½ teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. This will help keep your feta cheese fresh.
• Store the cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
• Place it on the top or middle shelf, or in a drawer, ensuring it's above raw meats, poultry, and fish to avoid contamination.
• Avoid using tight, non-porous materials like plastic wrap, as they can dry out the cheese. Instead, opt for porous materials like wax, parchment, or cheese paper.

Signs of Spoilage:

• Always inspect your cheese before consumption.
• Look for spots of greenish or blue mold. If present, discard the entire block.
• Feta cheese should have a fresh, mildly tangy aroma. If it smells yeasty, like proofed bread dough, it has gone bad.
• Harsh, unbalanced flavours indicate spoilage. A bitter, rancid, or overly piquant taste means it's past its prime.

Remember, while these guidelines are helpful, trust your senses. If the cheese smells, looks, or tastes off, it's best to discard it. Your health and safety are paramount.

Dry-packed feta should be avoided if longevity is desired

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, its longevity depends on several factors, including packaging, storage, and the presence of preservatives.

Dry-packed feta, or feta that is sold without a brine solution, has a significantly shorter shelf life compared to its brine-packed counterpart. Once opened, dry-packed feta should be consumed within a week to avoid spoilage. This is because, without the protective brine solution, the cheese is more susceptible to bacterial growth and contamination.

The absence of brine also affects the texture and moisture content of the cheese. Dry-packed feta tends to dry out more quickly, becoming crumbly and less creamy. This can impact its functionality in recipes, especially those that require a creamy or melted consistency.

To extend the shelf life of dry-packed feta, some sources suggest storing it in olive oil after opening. The olive oil acts as a barrier, protecting the cheese from external contaminants. Additionally, the cheese absorbs the aromatic compounds from the olive oil, resulting in a more complex flavour. However, it is important to note that this method alters the taste and texture of the cheese, and proper storage practices, such as using an airtight container and refrigerating, are still necessary to ensure food safety.

In summary, if longevity is a priority when purchasing feta cheese, it is advisable to avoid the dry-packed variety. Opting for feta packed in liquid salt brine can extend the shelf life up to six months if stored correctly, ensuring that the block is completely submerged in brine and protected from contamination.

Feta can be frozen, but this ruins its texture

Feta cheese is a delicious white cheese that is an essential element of Greek cuisine. It has a different flavour and texture, depending on how long it is aged for. Feta can be frozen, but freezing it ruins its texture.

Feta is typically stored in a brine solution, which can keep it fresh for up to six months if it is unopened and stored correctly. Once opened, feta stored in brine will last for three to four weeks in the fridge. Without brine, feta will only last a few days to a week in the fridge.

Freezing feta is a good way to extend its shelf life, but it will affect the texture and taste. Freezing feta will make it more crumbly and less salty. It is best to use frozen feta within a month, and it should be used within 72 hours of defrosting. It should not be refrozen.

To freeze feta, it should first be cut into meal-sized portions and dried with a paper towel. Then, it should be wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a resealable freezer bag. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the bag to avoid freezer burn. The bag should be labelled with the date of freezing.

Although freezing feta will ruin its texture, it can still be used in dishes such as salads, pasta bakes, casseroles, pizzas, and risottos.

How to identify spoilt feta: greenish mould, yeasty aroma, harsh flavours, or crystallisation

Feta cheese is a delicious staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how to identify spoilage to ensure food safety and avoid unpleasant culinary experiences. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your feta cheese has gone bad:

Greenish Mould

The presence of greenish mould on the surface of the cheese is a clear indication of spoilage. Feta cheese should have a bright white colour, so any discolouration could mean that it has spoiled. Mould growth indicates bacterial or fungal activity, which can produce harmful toxins. Therefore, it is essential to discard any cheese with visible mould to prevent potential health risks.

Yeasty Aroma

A "yeasty" aroma is another sign that your feta cheese has gone bad. According to Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist, "yeasts tend to be acid and salt tolerant, which makes feta cheese a near-perfect growth medium." If your feta starts to smell like proofed bread dough, it's best to discard it.

Harsh Flavours

Feta cheese is known for its fresh, mildly tangy flavour. If your feta tastes overly bitter, rancid, or otherwise unbalanced, it has likely passed its prime. These harsh flavours are caused by the breakdown of the cheese's components by bacteria or mould.

Crystallisation

While crystallisation is not a sign of spoilage, it can indicate that your feta cheese has been stored in poor conditions or for too long. If your feta has become dry, firm, or grainy, it's probably time to toss it out and get a fresh batch.

Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese. Consuming spoiled feta cheese can lead to foodborne illnesses, resulting in unpleasant symptoms.

Frequently asked questions