Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a unique, crumbly, salty, and tangy cheese that originates from Greece. It is typically made by combining sheep's or goat's milk with rennet and salt. Unlike other cheeses, feta requires specific handling and storage to maintain its distinctive flavour and texture. So, how well does feta cheese keep? Well, feta cheese can last for several months if stored correctly. Unopened feta stored in its original packaging can be kept in the fridge and will last for a couple of weeks beyond its expiration date. Once opened, feta should be wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container and will last for 5–7 days. For longer storage, feta should be submerged in brine and will then last for about a month. Feta can also be frozen, although this affects its texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Feta cheese should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. |
| Brine | Feta should be stored in brine to last longer. |
| Freezing | Freezing feta is not recommended as it ruins the texture of the cheese. |
| Shelf Life | Feta stored in brine can last for up to 6 months. Without brine, it lasts for about 5-7 days. |
| Spoilage Indicators | Mold, discoloration, strong off-smell, texture changes (slimy or crumbly). |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese should be stored in the fridge
Feta cheese is a unique variety of cheese with a strong flavour and a moist texture. It is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk and brine, which gives it its characteristic salty taste.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when storing feta cheese in the fridge. Firstly, if the feta is packaged in brine, ensure that the block is completely submerged in the solution. Brine is a natural preservative, and as long as the cheese remains covered, it will last a long time. If you're using a store-bought feta block, it's best to keep it in its original packaging or an airtight container.
If you have leftovers or have cut into a block of feta, you can wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. If you don't have enough brine to cover the cheese, you can make your own by mixing salt and water. It's important to use clean utensils when handling the cheese and brine to avoid introducing microbes that could encourage spoilage.
While feta cheese can be frozen, it's worth noting that freezing affects the texture of the cheese, making it extremely crumbly. Therefore, it's best to avoid freezing feta if you're looking to maintain its ideal texture.
Storing Feta Cheese: Milk Soak for Longevity
You may want to see also
Feta can be submerged in brine to extend its shelf life
Feta is a unique cheese that requires specific handling and storage to maintain its distinctive flavour and texture. It is a moist cheese with a high moisture content, which makes it susceptible to spoilage. Therefore, proper storage of feta in the refrigerator is essential to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life.
Feta can be stored in an airtight container, wrapped in cheese paper or parchment paper, and sealed tightly. However, this will only keep the cheese fresh for about 5 to 7 days. To extend its shelf life, feta can be submerged in brine, a solution of salt and water. This helps to preserve the cheese, keeping it moist and fresh for longer, and preventing the growth of mould.
When storing feta in brine, it is important to use an airtight container and ensure that the cheese is fully submerged in the solution. The brine solution should be changed regularly, about every couple of weeks, to keep it fresh. With this method, feta can stay good for about a month.
Alternatively, feta can also be stored in olive oil, which creates a barrier around the cheese, protecting it from bacteria and other contaminants. This method can maintain the freshness of feta for about two to three weeks and also adds a more complex flavour to the cheese.
Kroger's Feta Cheese: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Freezing feta cheese can ruin its texture
Feta cheese is a unique and beloved cheese that originates from Greece. It is typically a crumbly, salty cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy taste and is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
Feta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days to a week if it is well-wrapped or submerged in brine. However, if you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Freezing feta cheese is a good way to prolong its flavour and prevent waste.
While feta cheese can be frozen, it is important to note that freezing can affect its texture and taste. Freezing feta will alter its saltiness level, and the cheese may become more bland and fragmented when defrosted. If you freeze crumbled feta, you will end up with an even more fragmented cheese, which may not be desirable for some dishes.
To minimize the impact on texture and taste, it is recommended to vacuum seal the feta cheese and separate it into portions before freezing. Blot the cheese with a towel to absorb excess water, then cut it into appropriate sizes for later use. Wrap the cheese in freezer paper and store it in a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
Unlocking Feta: Opening Cheese Containers Effortlessly
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta cheese is prone to mould
Feta cheese is a moist cheese, and if left uneaten, it can easily become contaminated and mouldy. If you leave feta cheese in the fridge without sealing it, it will only last about 5 to 7 days. During that time, the cheese will slowly dry out, become more crumbly, and might grow mould.
Feta cheese should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. If you expect to use the cheese within a few days, you can wrap the cheese with plastic wrap or put it into a freezer bag or an airtight container. If you want to store it for longer, you need to submerge it in brine. As long as the feta block is unopened, it can be safely stored in its original packaging.
Feta submerged in brine can last for about a month. The brine solution is made of salt and water, and it preserves the cheese and gives it its signature salty taste. The brine should be changed every few days. If you need to store the feta for even longer, you can freeze it.
Feta cheese is not safe to eat if there are any dark spots or discolourations on the surface. A slightly acidic odour is normal for feta, but if the smell becomes much stronger, the cheese has gone bad. If your feta block is slimy or starts to crumble on its own, it is past its prime.
Feta Cheese: Does It Smell or Not?
You may want to see also
Feta should be consumed within a few days of opening
Feta is a unique cheese that requires specific handling and storage to maintain its distinctive flavour and texture. It is a moist cheese, and mould can easily permeate it. Therefore, it is best to consume feta within a few days of opening.
Feta is typically stored in brine, a solution of salt and water, which acts as a preservative. As long as the feta is submerged in brine, it will last a long time. Feta can last up to several months if well-wrapped or submerged in brine. However, once the feta block is cut and exposed to air, it will only last a few days. The exact duration depends on the storage conditions, but proper storage can extend the shelf life of feta in brine to about four to six weeks in the refrigerator.
If you plan to consume the feta within a few days, you can wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. However, if you expect to keep it for longer, it is best to submerge it in brine. To make your own brine, mix one pound of salt (preferably kosher) with one gallon of water. This will help prevent contamination and extend the shelf life of the feta.
It is important to note that freezing feta can alter its texture, making it overly crumbly. Therefore, if you choose to freeze feta, be aware that the texture may be affected, and it may be more suitable for toppings or crumbles rather than other applications.
Freestyle Points in Feta Cheese: How Many?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese lasts 5-7 days in the fridge if sealed tightly. If you submerge the feta block in brine, it will stay good for about a month.
Feta cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, freezing completely destroys the texture of the cheese, making it overly crumbly.
Feta cheese can go bad if it develops mold, discolouration, a strong off smell, or changes in texture.
Feta cheese should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. If you want to store it for longer than a few days, submerge it in brine.
