Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a popular dairy product originating from Greece. It is made from sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk. Crumbled feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from salads to pastas and baked goods. However, like any ingredient, it's important to know how to store it properly and identify when it has gone bad. Feta cheese has a high moisture content and is typically sold in brine, which helps to extend its shelf life. When stored properly, feta cheese can last for several months. However, once the packaging is opened, it is important to consume the cheese within a few days or store it correctly to prevent spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Feta crumbles can be stored in their original container without any trouble. |
| Brine | Feta cheese lasts longer in plenty of brine. The liquid it's packed in helps the cheese retain its moisture. |
| Shelf Life | Feta cheese has a shelf life of a few months to a year. |
| Opened Feta | Leftover feta cheese crumbles last 5 to 7 days if sealed tightly and refrigerated. |
| Submerged in Brine | If submerged in brine, feta crumbles stay good for about a month. |
| Freezing | Feta cheese can be frozen to extend its shelf life. |
| Spoilage | Noticeable signs of mold growth, such as dark or green discoloration on the cheese, are signs of spoilage. |
| Texture | When feta cheese spoils, it becomes rubbery and tough and loses its moisture. |
| Taste | If the feta has an overly sour or bitter taste, it has gone bad. |
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What You'll Learn
Check for mould or discolouration
Crumbled feta cheese is a popular dairy product that adds a sharp, salty taste to various dishes. However, it's important to ensure that your crumbled feta cheese is safe to consume and hasn't gone bad. One of the key indicators of spoilage is the presence of mould or discolouration.
Mould can grow on crumbled feta cheese, especially if it has been contaminated or exposed to air for too long. Mould on feta cheese will typically appear as fuzzy green specks or dark discolouration. If you notice any mould, even in small amounts, it's important to discard the entire package. Unlike harder cheeses, soft cheeses like feta are more susceptible to mould spores, which can quickly spread throughout the entire product.
To prevent mould growth, it is recommended to store crumbled feta cheese in a brine solution. Brine helps to preserve the cheese by reducing its exposure to air. You can prepare your own brine by mixing one teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. Completely submerge the crumbled feta in the brine and seal it in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. With proper brining and refrigeration, your crumbled feta cheese should last for about a month.
If you choose not to use brine, crumbled feta cheese should be tightly sealed and refrigerated. Even with proper storage, mould can still develop, so always check the cheese before consumption. If you notice any discolouration or suspicious growths, discard the cheese immediately.
In addition to mould, other signs of spoilage in crumbled feta cheese include changes in texture, taste, and smell. Fresh feta cheese should be smooth, crumbly, and slightly creamy. If it becomes dry, hard, or rubbery, or develops a slimy film, it has likely gone bad. Similarly, if the cheese tastes overly sour or bitter, or smells like sour cream, it should be discarded.
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Smell the cheese
The smell of feta cheese is a clear indicator of whether it has gone bad. A slightly acidic odour is typical of feta, but if the smell becomes significantly stronger, the cheese has likely spoiled. Feta cheese that has turned will emit a sour or pungent odour, resembling that of sour cream. This off-putting smell is often noticeable as soon as the container is opened.
When feta cheese is fresh, it should have a salty, tangy, and buttery aroma. If it smells overly sour or pungent, it has probably exceeded its shelf life. The presence of mould or discolouration can also contribute to an unpleasant smell. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage before taking a whiff.
If the feta cheese has been stored in brine, its smell can be more challenging to assess. Brine-soaked feta tends to have a stronger odour due to the curing process. However, if the cheese has been removed from the brine and smells unpleasantly sour or pungent, it has likely gone bad. Trust your senses; if the smell seems off, it's best to discard the cheese.
In addition to smell, changes in texture and taste can indicate spoilage. Fresh feta should be smooth, creamy, and crumbly. If it becomes dry, hard, rubbery, or slimy, it has likely spoiled. Similarly, a bitter or overly salty taste can indicate that the cheese is past its prime.
Proper storage is essential to prolonging the shelf life of feta cheese. It should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Storing feta in brine is an effective way to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness for up to a month. However, if the cheese is not submerged in brine, it is recommended to consume it within 5 to 7 days to avoid spoilage.
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Feel for a change in texture
Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, from salads to pastas and baked goods. It is known for its tangy, salty flavour and crumbly texture. However, like with any ingredient, it's important to ensure that your feta cheese is still good to eat before adding it to your culinary creations.
One key indicator of whether crumbled feta cheese has gone bad is a change in texture. Fresh feta cheese should be smooth, crumbly, and slightly creamy. Over time, as feta cheese dries out, its texture can become dry, hard, and rubbery. This change in texture is a sign that the cheese is past its prime and should be discarded.
Another texture change to look out for is the presence of slime. If your feta cheese feels slimy, it is an indication that it has spoiled and should not be consumed. This sliminess can occur if the cheese is not stored properly, such as when it is not fully submerged in brine or if the brine solution is not prepared correctly.
It's worth noting that feta cheese naturally varies in texture depending on the brand and its origin. For example, Greek, Bulgarian, and French fetas may have slight differences in texture. However, a significant deviation from its original texture, especially if accompanied by other signs of spoilage, is a good indicator that your crumbled feta cheese has gone bad.
To prolong the freshness of crumbled feta cheese, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life even further, consider submerging it in brine, a solution of salt and water. This will help maintain its moisture and keep it edible for a longer period.
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Store in brine to extend shelf life
Feta cheese is often sold in sealed packages with a briny solution, which is a classic preservation method that keeps the cheese fresh for longer. The brine, a combination of water and salt, flavours and preserves the cheese.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your feta cheese, you can make your own brine. Start by dissolving 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt in 1 cup of room-temperature water. If you find it difficult to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in it, and then combine it with cold water. You can also add a bit of filtered water and salt to the store-bought brine if it gets low.
Once you have made the brine, cut the leftover feta cheese into cubes and place them in the solution, ensuring that all pieces of cheese are covered. Then, seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. The feta cheese should be completely submerged in the brine to avoid contamination and extend its shelf life.
By storing feta cheese in brine, you can extend its shelf life from 5-7 days to about a month.
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Freeze for long-term storage
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can be challenging to use it all up before it goes bad. Freezing is an option if you want to store your feta cheese for longer than a few weeks. Here are some detailed instructions on how to freeze feta cheese for long-term storage:
Preparing the Feta Cheese for Freezing:
Start by examining your feta cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, discolouration, or a slimy texture. If the cheese looks and smells fresh, you can proceed with freezing. It is important to note that freezing feta cheese may alter its taste and texture, so it is best to use frozen feta in cooked dishes rather than as a topping or appetizer.
Before freezing, it is crucial to pat the feta cheese dry with a clean paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can negatively impact the cheese's long-term taste and texture.
Next, cut the feta cheese into smaller portions or crumble it with your clean fingers. Freezing the cheese in smaller pieces will make it easier to thaw and use in recipes as needed.
Choosing a Storage Container:
There are several suitable storage options for freezing feta cheese:
- Resealable freezer bags
- Vacuum-sealed bags
- Cling film
If using a resealable freezer bag, try to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing it. The humidity in the air can affect the flavour of the cheese.
Labelling and Freezing:
Once the feta cheese is prepared and packaged, label the storage container with the date. This will help you keep track of how long the feta has been frozen and ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.
Finally, place the packaged feta cheese in the freezer, ensuring it is in a flat, stable position to prevent damage or uneven freezing.
Thawing and Using Frozen Feta Cheese:
When you are ready to use your frozen feta cheese, simply remove it from the freezer and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. The thawing process is faster for crumbled or portioned cheese compared to a whole block of feta.
It is best to use defrosted feta cheese in cooked dishes rather than eating it as-is. Some recipe ideas include pasta, spanakopita (Greek cheese pie), quiche, or pizza.
By following these steps, you can successfully freeze feta cheese for long-term storage and extend its shelf life while maintaining its taste and texture as much as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Crumbled feta cheese lasts for about a week in the fridge. If submerged in brine, it can last up to a month.
Crumbled feta cheese can be stored in its original container. If you want to store it for longer, submerge it in brine in an airtight container.
Crumbled feta cheese can go bad due to improper storage or if it has been kept for too long. Signs of spoilage include a change in taste, texture, or appearance. If the cheese becomes slimy, dry, hard, or rubbery, or develops dark or green discolouration, it has likely gone bad.
Yes, freezing is a good way to preserve crumbled feta cheese. It can be frozen in its original container or in portions in Ziploc bags.
Bad feta cheese has an apparent sour smell, similar to sour cream.
