Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but its perishability poses a challenge for consumers aiming to maintain its freshness and avoid foodborne illnesses. While expiration dates provide a guideline, they are not absolute, and understanding the signs of spoilage is crucial to preventing health risks. Feta cheese, with its high moisture content, is more susceptible to spoilage than harder cheeses, and improper storage can lead to rapid deterioration. To extend its shelf life, proper refrigeration, vacuum sealing, and freezing are effective methods. Notably, certain semi-soft cheeses, including feta, are exempt from date-marking requirements by the FDA, but consumers should remain vigilant about inspecting their feta cheese for any indicators of spoilage to ensure safe consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exempt from date marking | No explicit mention found |
| Shelf life | 60-90 days when unopened and refrigerated |
| Shelf life (once opened) | 3-5 weeks |
| Shelf life (once opened) with proper storage | 5-7 days |
| Signs of spoilage | Sour smell, slimy texture, mold growth, discoloration |
| Ways to extend shelf life | Vacuum sealing, freezing, storing in brine, storing in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese shelf life
Feta cheese is typically sold in a brine solution, which acts as a preservative. Feta stored in its original container, fully submerged in brine, can last for up to six months in the refrigerator. However, once the package is opened, the shelf life decreases to about seven days.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it can be stored in olive oil, which creates a barrier to protect the cheese from outside contaminants. This method can maintain the freshness of feta for up to two to three weeks. The olive oil adds moisture to the cheese, resulting in a creamy texture and preventing it from drying out. It is important to note that olive oil will alter the taste of the feta cheese, and proper storage in an airtight container is necessary to shield the cheese from air exposure.
Freezing feta cheese is generally not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture, resulting in an overly crumbly product even when thawed gently. However, some sources suggest that freezing crumbled feta can be an option to extend its shelf life, as it preserves the cheese in its original condition.
It is important to practice safe handling when storing and consuming feta cheese. Contamination can occur if the brine or cheese is touched with fingers or utensils that are not clean and dry, introducing microbes that can encourage spoilage. Additionally, indicators of spoilage include a yeasty aroma, harsh or unbalanced flavors, and visible mold growth.
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Feta cheese storage
Feta cheese is usually shipped in a salt brine, which is a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it flavour. When exposed to air, feta starts to dry out and the flavour becomes sharply sour. To store feta cheese, it is important to ensure that it is covered by brine or water.
If your feta cheese is packaged in brine, you can simply store it in the same liquid. If you accidentally toss out the liquid or if your feta comes without brine, you can make your own by combining two cups of water with two teaspoons of kosher salt, or until you reach a ratio of four parts water to one part salt. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves, then store the leftover feta in the brine, making sure the cheese is completely covered. If you don't want to add extra saltiness to your feta, you can store it in plain water instead.
If you are storing feta that has already been cut into, it is recommended to boil enough water to fill your container, adding a tablespoon of salt. Once it boils, take it off the heat and leave it to cool completely before pouring it into your container with the feta. The water will last longer than the cheese, but it is recommended to change it every second week.
Another option for storing feta cheese is to use oil. This method also works with other mature cheeses, and the oil can then be used to dress salads. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the oil to add extra flavour.
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Feta cheese spoilage signs
Feta cheese is an aged cheese with a shelf life of a few months to a year. Unopened, it can easily last a couple of weeks beyond the date printed on the label. However, it's important to check for spoilage before consuming.
One of the most obvious signs of spoilage in feta cheese is the presence of mould. Feta is a moist cheese, and mould can easily permeate it. If you spot any discolouration, dark spots, or areas on the surface, it's best to discard the cheese.
Another indication of spoilage is an off smell. Feta cheese typically has a slightly acidic odour, but if this becomes significantly stronger, it may indicate that the cheese has gone bad. Trust your nose—if it smells weird or off-putting, it's probably best to discard it.
Changes in texture can also indicate spoilage. If your feta block is slimy or starts to crumble on its own, it's past its prime. Taste can be another indicator—if your feta tastes too salty, it may be a sign that it has been stored in brine for too long. However, this can be easily fixed by rinsing or submerging the feta in water for some time to reduce the saltiness.
It's important to note that feta cheese stored in brine can last longer than feta without brine. The salt in the brine acts as a preservative, and fully immersed feta can last for several months, or even up to a year, without spoilage. However, feta cheese without brine can go bad within a few weeks, even when refrigerated.
While some people have reported consuming feta cheese months after the expiration date without any issues, it is always advisable to exercise caution. If you have any doubts about the quality of the cheese, it is better to discard it and purchase fresh feta to ensure food safety.
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Feta cheese health risks
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese with a soft, crumbly texture, a salty flavour, and a slight tang. It is typically made from sheep and goat milk. While it offers several health benefits, there are also some associated health risks.
Firstly, feta cheese is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. It contains more calcium than many other cheeses, helping to maintain healthy teeth and bones. Feta also has high levels of phosphorus, and consuming phosphorus and calcium together has been linked to improved bone density and osteoporosis prevention. In addition, feta is a good source of B vitamins, which support a healthy nervous system, skin, and energy production.
However, one potential health risk of consuming feta cheese is its high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health issues such as kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, individuals need to monitor their sodium intake and consume feta cheese in moderation.
Another concern is the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in soft, unpasteurized cheeses like feta. This bacteria can cause mild flu-like symptoms in adults, but it can be harmful to pregnant women and their fetuses. As a result, pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming unpasteurized cheeses.
Furthermore, feta cheese contains tyramine, a substance found in aged and fermented foods. Tyramine has been linked to blood pressure spikes, heart palpitations, and severe headaches in individuals taking certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease.
Additionally, feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, and it is possible to be allergic to this type of milk. Those with lactose intolerance or allergy should avoid consuming unripened cheeses, including feta, as it has a higher lactose content than some other cheeses.
While feta cheese has a lower fat content than some aged cheeses, it still contains saturated fats, which should be limited to less than 10% of daily calorie intake. High consumption of saturated fats can negatively impact cholesterol levels and overall health.
In conclusion, while feta cheese offers various nutritional benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with excessive sodium intake, Listeria bacteria, tyramine content, saturated fats, lactose intolerance, and allergies. As with all foods, moderation and individual health considerations are key when including feta cheese in one's diet.
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Feta cheese freezing
Feta cheese can be frozen, and it freezes better than many other cheeses. However, freezing will affect its texture and taste. The saltiness level of feta cheese may decrease after freezing, and the cheese may become drier and crumbly.
To freeze feta cheese, it is recommended to pour off the brine and vacuum seal the cheese. Freezing feta in its brine will change its acidity level, which can affect the curd structure. It is also important to minimise air exposure by squeezing out excess air from the bag to maintain freshness. Feta cheese can also be frozen after blotting it with a towel to absorb excess water and then wrapping it tightly in plastic.
When freezing feta cheese, it is best to cut it into portions that will be used for one to three meals. This way, you won't have to thaw more than you need. Frozen feta cheese can last up to three months in the freezer.
Defrosting frozen feta cheese should be done slowly, preferably by leaving it overnight in the refrigerator. Microwaving frozen feta cheese is not recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
No, feta cheese is not exempt from date marking. It is a perishable food item and has a shelf life of 60-90 days when unopened and refrigerated.
Unopened feta cheese stored in its original packaging can maintain its quality for up to two months in the refrigerator.
Once opened, feta cheese should be consumed within two to five weeks to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Identifying spoiled feta cheese is crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses. Some telltale signs include mold growth, unpleasant odor, slimy texture, and discoloration.
