Feta Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a tangy taste and a unique texture. But how long does it last once opened? Well, that depends on how it's stored. Unopened feta can last for up to six months in the fridge, but once opened, it should be consumed within a week. However, if stored in olive oil, feta's shelf life can be extended to two to three weeks.

Feta stored in olive oil can last for two to three weeks

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. However, once opened, feta cheese can only last for about a week in its original packaging. This timeframe can be significantly extended by storing the feta in olive oil, which can maintain its freshness for up to two to three weeks.

Storing feta in olive oil not only prolongs its shelf life but also enhances its flavour and texture. The fat in the olive oil creates a protective barrier around the cheese, sealing it off from outside contaminants. This prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and other microbes, thereby delaying spoilage. Additionally, feta absorbs the aromatic compounds present in the olive oil, resulting in a more complex and robust flavour.

To properly store feta in olive oil, it is crucial to follow these steps:

• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to achieve the best taste and ensure a longer shelf life.
• Prepare an airtight container or a tight-lid jar to shield the cheese from air exposure, which can expedite spoilage. Ensure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination.
• Cut the feta into smaller pieces or leave it whole, but make sure it is fully submerged in the olive oil. Anything left above the oil will spoil.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. Feta stored in olive oil should not be kept at room temperature.
• Seal the container tightly after each use and return it to the fridge promptly.
• Check the feta periodically for signs of spoilage. Even with proper storage, feta can develop a strong sour or pungent odour, or a yeasty aroma, indicating that it has gone bad.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of having fresh feta cheese for up to two to three weeks.

Unopened feta can last for up to six months

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. Unopened feta can last for up to six months in the fridge, providing it is stored correctly. This involves keeping the cheese in its original container, ensuring the block is completely submerged in brine, and taking care to avoid contamination.

Feta packed in liquid salt brine can be an excellent way to preserve the cheese for up to six months. The brine acts as a preservative, and the salt content in the brine helps to extend the shelf life of the feta. It is important to note that dry-packed versions of feta do not last as long and should be used within a week of opening.

Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a safe refrigerator temperature of below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. At higher temperatures, the rate of bacteria growth increases significantly, reducing the shelf life of the cheese.

Proper handling and storage practices are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of unopened feta cheese. By following these guidelines, consumers can enjoy their feta cheese for up to six months after purchase.

It is worth noting that feta cheese is a soft cheese, and soft cheeses tend to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. Therefore, it is always advisable to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an unpleasant odour, before consumption.

Feta should be discarded if there's mould or a yeasty aroma

Feta cheese is a soft, white, and brined cheese that is popular in Greek and Mediterranean dishes. It has a tangy and sharp flavour and a creamy texture.

Feta cheese can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly and unopened. However, once opened, dry-packed feta should be consumed within a week.

Feta cheese that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage, and it is important to know when to discard it. If you notice any spots of greenish mould on the cheese, the entire block should be thrown out. This is because soft cheeses, like feta, are more susceptible to bacterial spoilage, and consuming mouldy feta can cause food poisoning.

In addition to visible mould, feta cheese can also develop a yeasty aroma when it goes bad. This is due to the presence of yeast, which can grow and multiply in the cheese. The yeast can produce a strong, unpleasant odour that indicates the cheese is no longer safe to consume.

Another indicator that feta cheese has gone bad is a change in flavour. Fresh feta should have a mildly tangy and creamy taste. If the cheese tastes overly bitter, rancid, or unbalanced, it has likely passed its prime and should be discarded.

It is important to inspect feta cheese before consumption and trust your senses of sight and smell to determine if it is safe to eat. While some types of cheese may have a strong odour, it should not smell like sweat, chlorine, or ammonia.

To prolong the lifespan of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in its original container, ensuring that the block is completely submerged in brine. This helps prevent contamination and slows down the growth of bacteria and yeast.

In summary, feta cheese should be discarded if it exhibits any signs of mould growth, develops a strong yeasty aroma, or has a bitter or rancid taste. Proper storage techniques can help extend the lifespan of feta, but once it shows any signs of spoilage, it is best to discard it to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

Feta stored in the freezer will have a ruined texture

Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salads to bakes and spreads. Freezing feta cheese is possible and can be a great way to extend its shelf life. However, freezing feta will negatively impact its texture, and the cheese will become drier and crumbly.

Freezing feta cheese is not recommended by experts. Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Dairy Research, emphatically states, "Never freeze feta!" In his experience, defrosted frozen feta loses its original texture and becomes "over the top crumbly." While the crumbles may still work as a topping, the ideal texture of feta is lost.

The change in texture occurs because freezing breaks down the structure of the cheese. This breakdown results in a drier, crumblier product that is less creamy and more fragmented. The texture of frozen feta is especially noticeable when compared to fresh feta, with block feta being more affected than crumbled feta.

To minimise texture changes, it is recommended to cut feta into portions before freezing. Smaller portions are easier to handle, store, and defrost, and they also help maintain the texture and flavour of the cheese. Additionally, removing excess air from the storage bag or container can help reduce humidity, which can negatively affect flavour.

While freezing can extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is important to note that the cheese will eventually spoil. It is best to use frozen feta within one month to avoid significant flavour and texture changes. Once thawed, the cheese should be used within 72 hours to prevent sourness.

In conclusion, while it is possible to freeze feta cheese, the freezing process will alter its texture. As such, it is recommended to avoid freezing feta if texture is a priority.

Feta in brine can last for up to three months

Feta cheese is a popular dairy product with a relatively long shelf life. It is a soft cheese that tends to spoil more quickly than hard cheeses. However, when stored correctly, feta in brine can last for up to three months.

Brine is a traditional preservation method that involves submerging the cheese in a salt solution. This creates an ideal environment for the feta, as the salt content in the brine helps to preserve the cheese and prevent spoilage from bacteria. It is important to ensure that the cheese is fully immersed in the brine at all times.

To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The container should be clean and dry to avoid any contamination. Additionally, when removing a portion of the cheese from the brine, it is best to use a clean utensil such as tongs or a fork to avoid introducing microbes into the feta's environment, which could encourage spoilage.

Storing feta in olive oil is another effective method for extending its shelf life. 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 not only extends the freshness of the feta but also adds a more complex flavour and a creamy mouthfeel.

While feta in brine can last for several months, it is important to inspect the cheese regularly for any signs of spoilage. If the brine becomes slimy or the cheese develops spots of greenish mould, it should be discarded. Additionally, if the feta develops a yeasty aroma or harsh, unbalanced flavours, it has likely gone bad and should be thrown out.

In summary, feta in brine can last for up to three months when stored correctly in the refrigerator. Proper storage methods, such as using clean utensils and ensuring the cheese is fully submerged, can help extend the shelf life. However, it is important to regularly inspect the feta for any signs of spoilage and discard it if necessary.

Frequently asked questions