Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but it can be tricky to know if it's gone bad. The good news is that there are several tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, always check the brine; if it's slimy, that's a sign of spoilage. Next, use your senses of smell and taste; spoiled feta has an unpleasant yeasty odour and a bitter or rancid flavour. Finally, look out for any discolouration or mould on the cheese, as this is a sure sign that it has expired. To prevent spoilage, it's important to store feta correctly. It should be fully immersed in brine and sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. With proper storage, feta cheese can last for up to six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Feta cheese should be moist. If it's rubbery and tough, it's spoiled. |
| Taste | Feta should taste mildly tangy. A bitter, rancid, or overly sour taste is a sign of spoilage. |
| Mold | If there's mold on the cheese, throw it out. |
| Smell | A yeasty, unpleasant odor is a sign of spoilage. |
| Brine | Feta in brine can last up to 6 months. If the brine is not slimy, the cheese is likely fine. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese stored in brine lasts longer
Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, but it can be challenging to keep it fresh. Feta cheese is typically made from goat and/or sheep's milk and has a unique flavour, partly because it sits in brine, a saltwater solution, for its entire life. This brine not only helps to preserve the cheese's moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay, but it also contributes to its flavour.
To make your own brine, combine 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can also add milk and vinegar to the brine to replicate the calcium and acetic acid in commercial brines. Just 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 the brine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
However, it's important to note that feta cheese stored in brine can still spoil. To check if your feta cheese has gone bad, look for signs of spoilage such as mold, a yeasty or sour smell, or harsh flavours. If you notice any of these indicators, it's best to discard the cheese.
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How to identify mould on feta cheese
Feta cheese is typically stored in liquid salt brine, which can preserve it for up to six months. However, if it is not fully immersed in brine, feta can spoil. To identify mould on feta cheese, look out for any spots of greenish or dark discolouration on the cheese. If you notice any mould, throw the entire block of cheese away.
Feta cheese is also susceptible to spoilage if its brine is contaminated. To avoid this, always use a clean utensil or your hands to remove the cheese from the brine. If you need to top up the brine level, you can create your own brine solution by mixing ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup water, 1½ teaspoons table salt, and ½ teaspoon distilled white vinegar.
In addition to visible mould, spoilage can also be identified by the smell and taste of the feta cheese. Spoiled feta cheese has a yeasty, unpleasant odour and a bitter flavour that worsens as the cheese ages. If the cheese has a funny taste, such as being overly sour or bitter, it has likely gone bad.
The texture of the cheese can also indicate spoilage. Feta cheese that has spoiled will become rubbery and tough, losing its moisture. If the cheese has a mushy texture or a yellowish tint, it is best to discard it.
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Feta cheese's shelf life
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that is often sold in blocks and packaged in liquid, such as oil or brine. This liquid acts as a preservative, with the salt and acidification tamping down on any bad bacteria. Feta cheese submerged in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly, according to Dean Sommer, a cheese and food technologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Dairy Research. It is important to ensure that the block of cheese is completely submerged in brine and that the container is clean and dry to avoid contamination.
Once opened, feta cheese has a shelf life of about one week. However, there are ways to extend its shelf life. One method is to store the feta in olive oil after opening, which can maintain its freshness for two to three weeks. The fat in the olive oil creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from outside contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. It is important to note that olive oil will alter the taste of the feta cheese, making it more sour or pungent. Additionally, the cheese will take on the taste of the olive oil, so it is recommended to use a milder, more neutral-tasting oil such as ultra-refined or light olive oil.
Another way to extend the shelf life of feta cheese is to make your own brine solution. By mixing whole milk, water, table salt, and distilled white vinegar, you can create a brine that replicates the calcium and acetic acid in commercial brines. Place the feta in this brine in an airtight container and refrigerate for one week. This method helps to keep the cheese moist and prevents it from drying out.
It is important to note that feta cheese can go bad if not stored properly. Indicators that feta cheese has spoiled include a bitter or harsh taste, a yeasty or dough-like smell, and the presence of mold. If any of these signs are present, the cheese should be discarded. Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can destroy the texture, making it overly crumbly.
Overall, the shelf life of feta cheese can be extended by storing it in brine or olive oil and ensuring proper storage conditions. However, it is important to periodically check the cheese for any signs of spoilage and to discard it if it has gone bad.
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Feta cheese's texture when spoiled
Feta cheese is a traditional cheese that has been enjoyed for many years. It is often sold in brine, which is a solution of salt and water, and this helps to preserve the cheese and keep it fresher for longer. However, even when stored correctly, feta cheese can still spoil.
When feta cheese spoils, its texture changes. It becomes rubbery and tough, and it loses its moisture. This is because the cheese has dried out and is no longer hydrated. The salt in the brine draws out the water from the cheese, helping to preserve it, but if the cheese is not fully submerged in the brine, it can dry out and spoil.
If the feta cheese is not stored in brine, it will spoil much faster. This is because the brine helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould. Without the brine, the cheese is more susceptible to contamination and spoilage. It will also dry out more quickly, leading to a change in texture.
To prevent feta cheese from spoiling, it is important to store it correctly. It should be kept in its original container, fully submerged in brine, and sealed airtight. If the brine level gets low, it can be topped up with a mixture of water and salt to help extend the shelf life of the cheese.
By paying attention to the texture of feta cheese, you can help to identify if it has spoiled. A rubbery or tough texture, or a noticeable loss of moisture, are indications that the cheese is no longer good to eat.
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How to prevent feta cheese from spoiling
Feta cheese is a beloved tangy and salty cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked potatoes and pizzas. However, it is important to prevent feta cheese from spoiling to ensure food safety and maintain its delicious flavour and texture. Here are some tips to keep your feta cheese fresh and prevent spoilage:
Store Feta Cheese in Brine
The key to keeping feta cheese fresh is to store it in brine. Brine is a salty solution that helps preserve the cheese and extend its shelf life. Feta cheese should be fully immersed in brine to prevent spoilage. You can store it in its original container or transfer it to an airtight container, ensuring the cheese is completely covered with brine. If the brine level gets low, you can make your own by mixing water, salt, and vinegar, or simply adding filtered water and salt to the existing brine.
Keep the Brine and Cheese Contaminant-Free
To prevent contamination, always use clean utensils or your hands to remove the cheese from the brine. Avoid touching the brine or cheese with dirty hands or utensils, as this can introduce microbes that encourage spoilage. Keep the container sealed and store it in the refrigerator.
Choose Feta Cheese in Brine Over Dry Varieties
When purchasing feta cheese, opt for varieties packed in brine. Dry feta cheese has a much shorter shelf life and can become bitter and inedible within a week. Feta cheese in brine can last for up to six months if stored correctly, providing you with a longer window to enjoy its delicious flavour.
Monitor the Cheese for Any Signs of Spoilage
Even with proper storage, it is important to regularly check your feta cheese for any signs of spoilage. Look for mould, which can appear as dark or green discolouration. Additionally, feta cheese that has spoiled may develop a yeasty or unpleasant odour, and its flavour may become harsh, bitter, or rancid. If you notice any of these signs, discard the cheese immediately.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your feta cheese from spoiling and ensure that it retains its delicious flavour and texture for as long as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese that has been spoiled will have a yeasty, unpleasant odour and a bitter flavour. It may also have noticeable greenish or dark mould on it. If you see any spots of mould, throw the whole block out.
Feta cheese packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly. Dry-packed feta has a shelf life of about a week.
Feta cheese should be completely submerged in brine and sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help the cheese retain its moisture and extend its shelf life.
Freezing is not recommended as it can destroy the texture of the cheese, even when it is thawed gently in the refrigerator.
