Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a staple in many refrigerators, but its strong, pungent smell can be off-putting to some. While it's normal for feta to have a distinct odour, it shouldn't smell yeasty or like spoiled milk, as this indicates spoilage. The presence of mould, discolouration, hairy bits, or a slimy texture are also signs that your feta has gone bad. Interestingly, the bacteria that contribute to the aroma and flavour of feta cheese may be similar to those found on our bodies, possibly explaining why some describe it as smelling like sweaty feet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Feta cheese has a strong, pungent smell that can be off-putting to some. However, it should not smell yeasty or like spoiled milk/vomit. |
| Taste | Feta cheese should taste mildly tangy. Harsh, bitter, rancid, sour, or unbalanced flavours indicate that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Texture | Spoiled feta may develop a slimy or hairy texture. |
| Colour | Discolouration may indicate that the cheese has gone bad. |
| Mould | The presence of mould is a clear sign that feta cheese has spoiled. |
| Storage | Feta cheese packed in brine can last up to 6 months if stored correctly, with the cheese completely submerged in the brine to prevent contamination. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese has a strong, pungent smell
Feta cheese is known for its strong, pungent smell. While some describe it as rancid, it is normal and expected for feta to have a distinct aroma. This smell is inherent to the cheese and is not an indication of spoilage, which presents as a yeasty or spoiled milk odour.
The unique smell of feta cheese is due to its diverse bacterial community, dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria play a crucial role in the fermentation process, contributing to the development of flavour and aroma compounds during aging. The presence of these bacteria is not only acceptable but desirable, as they enhance the cheese's flavour and contribute to its characteristic smell.
While the smell of feta cheese can be off-putting to some, it is a sign of quality. The bacteria responsible for the aroma are also found on our bodies, which may explain why some people find the smell unpleasant, reminiscent of stinky locker rooms or sweaty feet. Interestingly, an experiment in creating "funky" cheese involved using microbes from individuals' feet and armpits, resulting in cheese that smelled like "yeast, ocean salt, sour old cheese, and feet."
Despite the strong smell of feta cheese, it should not be confused with spoilage. Spoiled feta cheese will exhibit clear signs of mould, discolouration, or hairy bits. Additionally, the texture may become slimy, and the taste may be harsh, bitter, or sour, deviating from its expected mildly tangy flavour. To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, proper storage is essential, ensuring the cheese is completely submerged in brine to prevent contamination.
In summary, feta cheese is characterised by its strong, pungent smell, which is a natural result of the fermentation process and the presence of beneficial bacteria. This smell is an inherent part of the cheese's character and should not be mistaken for spoilage, which presents with distinct organoleptic characteristics.
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Feta is typically made from goat or sheep's milk
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese that is typically made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. The use of these types of milk in cheese production has a long history in Greece, dating back to ancient times. In fact, the earliest documented reference to cheese production in Greece dates back to the 8th century BC, and the technology used to make cheese from sheep and goat milk is similar to the methods used today to produce feta.
The traditional and legal method of producing feta within the EU and other territories where it is protected involves using only whole sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk, with a maximum of 30% goat milk. This blend of milk gives feta its distinctive aroma and flavour. High-quality feta should have aromas of ewe's milk, butter, and yoghurt, with a tangy, slightly salty, and mildly sour taste, and a hint of sweetness.
The process of making feta involves forming the cheese into large blocks and ageing it in brine. Feta has a soft, crumbly texture with small or no holes and no skin. It is known for its tangy and salty flavour, which can range from mild to sharp. The firm variety of feta is considered higher in quality and is tangier, while the soft variety is almost spreadable and mostly used in pies.
Feta is an extremely versatile cheese and is commonly used in Greek salads, pastries such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie), and sandwiches. It can be served cooked or grilled, and is often paired with olive oil, olives, and aromatic herbs such as oregano.
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It sits in brine for preservation and flavour
Feta cheese is often sold in brine, a solution of saltwater. The brine is used for preservation and flavour. The saltwater pulls water out of the cheese, drying it out and extending its shelf life. The salt also inhibits bacterial growth, preserving the cheese.
Feta cheese can be stored in a variety of ways, including in brine, olive oil, tap water, plastic wrap, or an airtight container. However, storing it in brine is considered the best option for preserving the cheese and enhancing its flavour.
The brine solution typically used for feta cheese is 7-8% salinated water, or 70-80 grams of salt dispersed in 1 kilogram of water. This can be made at home by dissolving enough salt in cold water to float a raw chicken egg. It is important to note that the brine may start to smell off over time and should be changed.
Storing feta cheese in brine affects its texture, making it smooth and creamy, and its taste, making it sharp and tangy. It also extends the shelf life of the cheese, keeping it fresh for weeks instead of days.
Some people prefer their feta cheese less salty and choose to store it in water instead of brine. This method pulls some of the salt out of the cheese, resulting in a more moderate salinity. However, this practice has been debated, as controlling the ratio of salt in the brine is more difficult with this method.
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A spoiled feta cheese will smell like spoiled milk or vomit
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese known for its salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture. While it is typically not considered a "stinky" cheese in the same vein as, for example, blue cheese or Camembert, feta can develop a strong and unpleasant odor when it spoils. A spoiled feta cheese will often smell like spoiled milk or vomit, and this distinct aroma is a clear indication that the cheese has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat. The putrid odor is caused by the growth of bacteria, which proliferate and produce unpleasant-smelling compounds as the cheese deteriorates.
The smell of spoiled milk is characterized by a sour, acidic tang that can range from mildly unpleasant to downright nauseating. This smell is often the result of the breakdown of proteins and fats in the milk, as bacteria feast on these nutrients and produce byproducts that emit a strong odor. Similarly, spoiled feta cheese can emit this sour milk smell, which can be mild at first but becomes more pronounced as the cheese continues to spoil.
The vomit-like odor that sometimes emanates from spoiled feta cheese is particularly off-putting and is enough to put most people off their appetite. This distinctive smell is caused by the presence of certain bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which produce volatile compounds during the breakdown of the cheese's milk proteins. These compounds, including butyric acid and propionic acid, have a characteristic vomit-like odor that becomes more intense as the cheese continues to spoil.
The smell of spoiled milk and vomit are both clear indicators that the feta cheese has gone beyond the point of safe consumption. While fresh feta should have a mild, pleasant aroma, any sign of a strong, unpleasant odor indicates that the cheese is no longer edible. It is important to trust your senses and avoid consuming feta cheese that smells off, even if it still looks relatively okay. Other signs of spoilage may include a slimy texture, mold growth (in colors other than the typical harmless white or cream-colored mold on the surface), or a noticeably bitter or sour taste.
To prevent feta cheese from spoiling and developing these unpleasant odors, it is important to store it properly. Feta is typically sold packaged in brine, which helps to preserve the cheese and maintain its moisture content. It should be stored in the refrigerator, and once opened, it is best to keep the cheese in its original brine and ensure it is fully submerged. Changing the brine regularly can also help extend the cheese's lifespan. Proper storage can help slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent the development of the unpleasant odors associated with spoiled feta cheese.
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Feta should taste mildly tangy, so any harsh flavours indicate it's gone bad
Feta cheese is typically made from goat or sheep's milk and is stored in brine, a saltwater solution, to preserve its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. While feta cheese is known for its strong smell, it should not smell yeasty or like spoiled milk, vomit, or blue cheese. If it does, it has likely gone bad.
Feta cheese should taste mildly tangy, so any harsh, bitter, rancid, or sour flavours indicate that it has likely gone bad. A spoiled feta cheese will have a yeasty, unpleasant odour, similar to spoiled milk or vomit. In addition to taste and smell, the presence of mould, discolouration, hairy bits, or a slimy texture are also signs that your feta cheese has spoiled.
To prolong the freshness of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly. Feta packed in brine can last up to 6 months if stored correctly. Always ensure that the cheese is completely submerged in the brine to prevent contamination. When removing cheese from the brine, use clean utensils to avoid introducing microbes that can encourage spoilage.
If you are unsure whether your feta cheese has gone bad, it is better to be safe and discard it. You can always try purchasing feta cheese from different brands or sources to find one that better suits your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese has a strong, pungent smell that can be off-putting to some. While it's normal for feta to have a strong smell, it shouldn't smell yeasty or like spoiled milk.
Feta cheese has a diverse bacterial community dominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria are crucial for the fermentation process and contribute to the development of flavour and aroma compounds during aging.
In addition to smell, there are other ways to tell if your feta cheese has spoiled. One clear sign is the presence of mould. If you see any discolouration or hairy bits on the cheese, it's best to discard it. Another indicator is the texture; spoiled feta may develop a slimy texture.
