Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a delicious, tangy treat, but it can be tricky to know when it's gone bad. The good news is that there are several tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, if your feta is in brine, it should be fully submerged, and you should check that the brine hasn't depleted, as this will cause the cheese to dry out and spoil. If your feta is dry, it will likely only last a week before developing a bitter taste and becoming inedible. Feta in brine can last much longer, but it can still go off before its expiry date, so it's important to check for signs of spoilage. A yeasty smell, harsh flavours, and noticeable mould are all indications that your feta has expired and should be discarded.
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese shelf life
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that originated in Greece. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can be tricky to store. The shelf life of feta cheese depends on various factors, including the type of packaging, storage method, and exposure to contaminants.
Feta cheese that is packaged in brine or oil can last for up to six months if stored correctly. The brine helps to preserve the cheese by providing a salty, acidic environment that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. It is important to ensure that the cheese is fully submerged in the brine and that the container is sealed airtight. If the brine level decreases over time, it can be topped up with a mixture of filtered water and salt or a solution of milk, water, salt, and vinegar.
On the other hand, dry feta cheese has a much shorter shelf life. It tends to develop a bitter taste within a few days and becomes inedible after about a week. This is because the cheese dries out and is more susceptible to contamination when not protected by brine.
To maximise the shelf life of feta cheese, it is crucial to practice proper storage methods. Feta cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in its original container, to maintain freshness. If stored at room temperature, even in brine, the cheese may spoil within a few weeks. Additionally, it is important to use clean utensils or hands when handling the cheese to avoid introducing microbes that can accelerate spoilage.
When it comes to determining if feta cheese has gone bad, there are several telltale signs to look out for. Firstly, spoiled feta cheese may exhibit a noticeable change in taste, becoming overly sour or bitter. Secondly, the presence of mold, particularly dark or green discoloration, indicates that the cheese has been contaminated and should be discarded. Another sign of spoilage is an unpleasant yeasty aroma, which can develop due to the tolerance of yeasts to acid and salt in the cheese.
While freezing is a common method to extend the shelf life of some foods, it is generally not recommended for feta cheese. Freezing can alter the texture and taste of the cheese, making it overly crumbly and dry. However, some people choose to freeze crumbled feta cheese, as it can retain its original condition and thaw without forming a single block.
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How to store feta cheese
Feta cheese is a delicious and tangy ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to bakes. To ensure that your feta lasts as long as possible and remains edible, it is important to store it properly.
Feta cheese is often sold in a brine solution, which is a combination of water and salt. This brine is essential for preserving the cheese and keeping it flavourful. If your feta comes in brine, make sure that the cheese is always fully submerged. You can do this by ensuring that the container is securely closed. If you accidentally discard the brine or buy feta that doesn't come in brine, you can easily make your own by combining water and salt. For a basic brine solution, boil water and add a tablespoon of salt, allowing it to cool completely before pouring it over the feta in a sealed container. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse additional flavours into the cheese.
If you don't want to use brine, there are other storage options for feta cheese. You can wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Feta can also be frozen, especially if it has been crumbled, which is perfect for adding to cooked dishes later on. Additionally, you can marinate feta in olive oil, which will preserve it and add flavour.
Remember, feta cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator, regardless of the storage method you choose. With proper storage, feta can last for several months, but it's so tasty that it probably won't stay in your fridge for that long!
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Signs of mould on feta cheese
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that is often packed in liquid salt brine, which can help it last for up to six months if stored correctly. However, it is important to know the signs of mould on feta cheese to ensure it is still safe to consume.
Firstly, always inspect feta cheese before eating it, regardless of how long it has been stored. Feta cheese can go "off" before its expiry date due to quality control and storage issues.
Mould on feta cheese can appear as dark or green discolouration. If you notice any fuzzy or oddly coloured sections, it is best to throw the cheese out. Mould spores can easily permeate feta cheese, and scraping off the mouldy section will not fully solve the problem.
In addition to visible mould, spoiled feta cheese may also have an unpleasant yeasty smell, indicating that it has gone bad. Feta cheese should taste like fresh, mildly tangy dairy. If the feta tastes overly sour, bitter, rancid, or has harsh, unbalanced flavours, it has likely expired.
To prevent mould and extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in a salty brine solution, similar to how fresh mozzarella is stored. The brine helps the cheese retain its moisture, and it is important to ensure that the block of feta is completely submerged in the brine.
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Feta cheese smell
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that is often packed in liquid salt brine, which can preserve it for up to six months if stored correctly. The salty brine is the key to keeping feta fresh, as it helps the cheese retain its moisture. However, if feta cheese is not properly stored or is kept for too long, it can go bad and develop an unpleasant smell.
A key indicator of spoiled feta cheese is an off-putting, yeasty smell. Feta cheese that has gone bad will emit a yeasty, unpleasant odour that is noticeably different from its usual salty and slightly sour fragrance. This yeasty aroma is caused by the growth of yeast, which is attracted to the acid and salt in the cheese. If you detect this yeasty smell, it's a clear sign that your feta cheese has expired and should be discarded.
In addition to the yeasty smell, spoiled feta cheese may also exhibit other signs of spoilage. Visible mould growth, dark or green discolouration, and a bitter or sour taste are all indications that your feta cheese has gone bad. Feta cheese is particularly susceptible to mould spores, so even a small amount of mould or discolouration is a sign that the entire cheese should be thrown away.
It's important to note that proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness of feta cheese. Feta should be kept in its original container or an airtight container, ensuring that the cheese is completely submerged in brine. Contamination should be avoided by always using clean utensils or hands to handle the cheese and brine. Additionally, dry feta cheese has a much shorter shelf life, becoming bitter and inedible within a week, so it is recommended to store feta in brine or make your own brine solution if necessary.
By paying attention to the smell, appearance, and taste of your feta cheese, as well as practising proper storage methods, you can easily determine if your feta cheese has gone bad and take appropriate action.
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Feta cheese taste
Feta cheese is a tangy, salty, and slightly sour cheese that is typically sold submerged in brine or oil. When stored correctly, feta can last for up to six months and will retain its fresh, mildly tangy taste.
Feta cheese is considered by some to be a "near-perfect growth medium" for yeast. Therefore, a yeasty smell or taste is a clear sign that your feta cheese has gone bad. If your feta cheese has taken on a bitter or overly sour taste, it is past its prime. Feta cheese should never be frozen, as this will ruin its texture and taste.
Feta cheese that is sold dry, without brine or oil, will only last about a week before it starts to taste bitter and becomes inedible. If you purchase dry feta, you can extend its shelf life by creating your own brine. To do this, mix ½ cup of whole milk, ½ cup of water, 1½ teaspoons of table salt, and ½ teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Place the feta in this mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for one week.
If you notice any mold on your feta cheese, it is best to throw it out. Mold spores can easily permeate feta cheese, so even scraping off the fuzzy or discolored section will not solve the problem.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. The cheese should be kept completely submerged in brine and stored in an airtight container. On the other hand, dry-packed feta will only last a week.
Spoiled feta cheese will have a yeasty, unpleasant odour and a bitter or rancid taste. Noticeable mold growth, such as dark or green discolouration, is another clear sign that the cheese has gone bad.
Feta cheese should be stored in a salty brine solution to help retain its moisture and prolong its shelf life. It is important to ensure that the cheese is fully immersed in the brine and that clean utensils or hands are used to remove the cheese from the brine to avoid contamination.
