Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a popular tangy cheese with a salty and slightly sour flavor. It is often used to add flavor to dishes such as salads, baked potatoes, and pizzas. However, like all cheeses, feta cheese is susceptible to mold growth, especially if it is not stored properly. If you notice any signs of mold on your feta cheese, such as dark or green discoloration, it is best to throw it out as mold spores can easily permeate this variety of cheese. While some people may suggest scraping off the moldy part and consuming the rest, it is not a recommended practice as it may pose health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eating moldy feta cheese | Not recommended |
| Eating moldy feta cheese if broke | Not recommended |
| Eating mold with other food | Not recommended |
| Feta cheese with a funny taste | Not safe to eat |
| Feta cheese with dark or green discoloration | Not safe to eat |
| Feta cheese with a rubbery texture | Not safe to eat |
| Feta cheese with reduced moisture | Not safe to eat |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese storage
Feta cheese is often shipped in a salt brine, which is a combination of water and salt that preserves the cheese and gives it flavour. If you want to store feta cheese, it's important to keep it covered in liquid or oil to prevent it from drying out and becoming sour.
One way to store feta cheese is to make your own brine solution by combining water and salt. The ratio of water to salt can vary, but a common recommendation is to use four cups of water with one tablespoon of salt. Boil the water, add the salt, and allow the mixture to cool before pouring it over the feta cheese in a sealed container. The brine will keep the cheese flavourful and preserved, but it should be noted that the salt content will affect the taste of the cheese, so storing in plain water may be preferable for very salty feta.
Another option for storing feta cheese is to cover it with oil. This method is more expensive than using brine, but it can add flavour to the cheese and the oil can be used to dress salads. Herbs such as rosemary or thyme can also be added to the oil to infuse the cheese with additional flavour.
If you don't want to use brine or oil, you can simply store the feta cheese in a sealed container with water, ensuring that the cheese is fully submerged. However, without the preservative effects of salt or oil, the water will need to be changed regularly, about once every two weeks.
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Health risks of mouldy feta
Mouldy feta cheese can pose potential health risks, and it is generally not recommended to eat mouldy food. Feta is a tangy, salty, and slightly sour cheese that is often crumbled or added to dishes to enhance their flavour. However, improper storage or prolonged storage can cause feta cheese to spoil and develop mould.
Visible signs of mould growth on feta cheese, such as dark or green discolouration, indicate that the cheese has been contaminated and is no longer safe to consume. Mould spores can quickly permeate feta cheese, and simply scraping off the visibly mouldy section may not eliminate all the spores. Consuming mouldy feta cheese can potentially lead to short- and long-term health issues, and it is generally advised to discard mouldy cheese to avoid any health risks.
The health risks associated with consuming mouldy feta cheese may vary depending on the type of mould present and the individual's health condition. Some moulds can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can cause adverse health effects. These toxins can survive cooking and remain toxic even after the mould is no longer visible. Ingesting mycotoxins can lead to digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In some cases, more severe symptoms may occur, including organ damage, immune system suppression, and neurological issues.
Additionally, mouldy feta cheese may indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or Listeria. These bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses, resulting in fever, cramps, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of consuming contaminated food.
Therefore, it is essential to practise proper food handling and storage to prevent mould growth on feta cheese. Feta cheese should be stored properly, with feta in brine treated similarly to fresh mozzarella, and crumbles kept in their original container. Regularly checking the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, odd taste, or changes in texture, is crucial to ensure its safety for consumption.
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Eating mouldy feta
Mould spores can permeate feta cheese more easily than some other varieties. This means that even if you scrape off the fuzzy or discoloured parts, the mould may have already spread to other areas of the cheese. Consuming mouldy cheese can lead to short- and long-term health issues. It is not worth risking your health to save money by consuming mouldy food.
That being said, some types of cheese, like blue cheese, are intentionally made with mould to create a particular flavour and texture. These cheeses are safe to eat because the mould used in the production process is carefully controlled and cultivated in a specific way that makes it safe for consumption. However, the mould that grows on feta cheese when it spoils is not the same as the mould in blue cheese and should not be consumed.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as dark or green discolouration, a sour or bitter taste, or a rubbery texture, it is best to discard the entire package of feta cheese. Proper storage is crucial to prevent feta cheese from spoiling prematurely. Feta in brine should be stored similarly to fresh mozzarella, while crumbles can be kept in their original container.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to scrape off the visible mould and consume the cheese, it is not worth risking your health. Mould spores can spread easily in feta cheese, and consuming mouldy food can lead to health issues. Proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage and ensure the safety of your feta cheese.
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Signs of bad feta
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese with a distinct flavour and a range of culinary applications. While it is a healthy and nutritious food, it is important to be aware of the signs of spoilage to ensure safe consumption. Here are some key indicators that your feta cheese has gone bad:
Visible mould
The presence of mould is a clear sign of spoilage in feta cheese. Mould can produce harmful toxins, leading to foodborne illnesses. If you notice any mouldy patches on the surface or within the cheese, discard it immediately.
Unpleasant odour
Fresh feta cheese typically has a mild and slightly sour odour. However, if the cheese emits a strong and unpleasant smell, such as excessive sourness, bitterness, or ammonia, it is likely to have gone bad.
Texture changes
Feta cheese should have a firm and crumbly texture. If your feta becomes slimy or sticky, it indicates bacterial growth. This type of spoilage can lead to food poisoning and should be discarded immediately.
Discolouration
Feta cheese is typically white or ivory in colour. If you notice any discolouration, such as yellowing, browning, or greening, it could be a sign of spoilage.
Packaging abnormalities
Bloating or leaking from the packaging is another sign of bacterial fermentation. The bacteria produce gases that cause the cheese to expand and release liquid. Properly stored feta cheese can last for 5-7 days in its brine or vacuum-sealed package. If left out at room temperature, feta should not be left for more than 2 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
It is important to remember that mouldy cheese, in general, may not be safe to consume, and it is better to prioritise your health than to risk eating contaminated food. Always check the cheese for any signs of spoilage and store it properly to maintain its freshness and quality.
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Feta cheese texture
Feta cheese is a popular variety of cheese that originated in Greece. It is well-loved for its tangy, salty flavour and crumbly texture. Feta is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. The inclusion of sheep's milk is what gives feta its distinct texture and flavour. The cheese is then aged in brine, which further enhances its flavour and texture.
The texture of feta cheese is described as crumbly and slightly grainy, with a creamy mouthfeel. The creaminess of feta can vary depending on the production process and maturation length. Feta made with more goat's milk tends to be drier and tangier, while French feta, made with sheep's milk, is typically creamier and milder in flavour. Bulgarian feta also has a creamier texture, though it can have a grassy or "sheepy" flavour mixed with a tangy finish. Israeli feta is similar in texture but is usually not overly salty.
American feta, on the other hand, can be made with sheep, goat, or even cow's milk. It usually has a tangy flavour and a less creamy, more crumbly texture. The type of milk used in feta production impacts its texture and flavour profile. For example, feta made with cow's milk tends to have a milder taste than traditional feta made with sheep and goat milk.
When selecting feta cheese, it is best to choose varieties made from high-quality milk with a crumbly texture and a creamy mouthfeel. Proper storage of feta cheese in the refrigerator is essential to maintain its freshness and texture. Feta's versatility makes it a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and cooked dishes, adding a touch of savoury flavour and a unique texture to any meal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to eat moldy feta cheese. Even if you scrape off the mold, mold spores can still permeate feta cheese more easily than some other varieties. It is best to throw the cheese out.
Feta cheese can get moldy if it is not stored properly or kept for too long.
Apart from visible mold, other signs that your feta cheese has gone bad include a strange taste (e.g. overly sour or bitter), and changes in texture (e.g. rubbery, tough, dry).
Feta cheese in brine should be treated the same as fresh mozzarella. If you're working with crumbles, they can stay in their original container.
While some people may argue that eating moldy feta cheese is fine, it is not recommended as it may negatively impact your health.
