Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a unique dairy product with a strong, distinctive smell that often elicits strong reactions from consumers. The odour, which can be likened to sweaty feet, baby vomit, or smelly socks, is a result of the fermentation process and the presence of bacteria and yeast. Despite its off-putting aroma, feta cheese is generally safe to consume and offers a creamy, salty taste. In this paragraph, we will explore the reasons behind feta cheese's infamous smell and provide insights into its shelf life and storage methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Mildly acidic, sour, like vomit, baby vomit, feet, smelly socks, sweaty armpits, or sour cream |
| Reason for the smell | Fermentation, bacteria breaking down proteins and releasing gas, type of milk used, yeast feeding on fatty components and proteins |
| Spoilage indicators | Mould, texture, taste, sliminess, dryness, hardness, grainy, crumbly, holes |
| Shelf life | More than a couple of months, sometimes a year or more if unopened and stored properly; 3-5 days if covered and refrigerated; up to a month or more if submerged in brine; a few days if placed in an airtight container or freezer bag |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese's smell is caused by bacteria and yeast breaking down proteins and fats
- The type of milk used in feta production influences the strength of its smell
- Feta cheese that has gone bad will smell kind of like sour cream
- Feta cheese should be stored in brine to keep it fresh and soft
- Feta cheese is prone to growing mould due to its high moisture content
Feta cheese's smell is caused by bacteria and yeast breaking down proteins and fats
Feta cheese is notorious for its pungent smell, which is often described as mildly acidic and reminiscent of smelly socks, baby vomit, or feet. This distinctive odour is the result of bacteria breaking down proteins and releasing gas, which our smell receptors then detect. Specifically, the bacteria brevibacterium linens is thought to be responsible for the odour, as it is similar to Brevibacterium epidermidis, which is present in areas like armpits, feet, and sweaty skin.
Additionally, yeast contributes to the smell of feta cheese by feeding on its protein and fat contents. This process adds to the overall peculiar smell of the cheese. The type of milk used in making feta also influences its scent, with goat's milk resulting in a stronger odour than sheep's or cow's milk.
The smell of feta cheese is not an indication of spoilage, and it is generally safe to consume even if it has an off-putting odour. However, if the cheese smells too sour or repulsive, it is best to discard it as it may have gone bad. Other signs of spoilage include mould, a dry and hard texture, and a film of slime.
To extend the shelf life of feta cheese and maintain its quality, it is recommended to store it in brine (a mixture of water and salt) in the fridge. This will keep the cheese soft, fresh, and edible for several weeks to a few months. Without brine, feta cheese will not last as long and will eventually become dry and hard.
While the smell of feta cheese may be off-putting to some, it is a safe and delicious cheese to consume when stored and handled properly. Its unique odour is simply a result of the bacteria and yeast interacting with the proteins and fats in the cheese during the fermentation process.
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The type of milk used in feta production influences the strength of its smell
Feta cheese is notorious for its pungent smell, which can be off-putting to some. The odour is often described as mildly acidic and has been likened to smelly socks, baby vomit, and feet. Interestingly, the type of milk used in the production of feta cheese can influence the strength of its smell.
Traditionally, feta cheese is made from 100% sheep's milk. However, variations exist, with some producers incorporating goat's milk or cow's milk into the mix. The choice of milk can impact the intensity of feta's aroma. For example, goat's milk tends to yield a stronger-scented feta when compared to other types of milk. This distinction is important for consumers and cheesemakers alike, as it allows for a degree of customisation and control over the final product's characteristics.
The process of fermentation also plays a crucial role in the development of feta's smell. During production, bacteria are introduced, which break down the proteins in the cheese, releasing gas that contributes to its unique odour. This gas is what our smell receptors detect, resulting in the recognition of a strong scent. The specific bacteria involved in this process is called Brevibacterium linens, which is similar to the bacteria responsible for odours associated with sweaty armpits and feet. This further explains the connection between feta's smell and these particular scents.
In addition to the type of milk and fermentation, the presence of yeast in feta cheese also influences its smell. Yeast feeds on the fatty components and proteins in the cheese, releasing additional odours that contribute to its overall aroma. The combination of bacteria, yeast, and the type of milk used creates the distinctive smell that many associate with feta cheese.
While the smell of feta cheese can be off-putting to some, it is important to note that it is generally safe to consume. The odour is a natural result of the fermentation process and the breakdown of proteins in the cheese. However, if the cheese smells excessively sour or unpleasant, it may be an indication of spoilage, and it is recommended to discard it.
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Feta cheese that has gone bad will smell kind of like sour cream
Feta cheese is a unique type of cheese with a very distinctive smell. Its scent is often described as mildly acidic and sour, akin to smelly socks, baby vomit, or feet. This smell is not an indication of spoilage, and the cheese is generally safe to consume. However, if the cheese smells too sour or repulsive, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
Feta cheese is a fermented product, and the bacteria introduced during its production break down proteins, releasing gas that contributes to its characteristic smell. The specific bacteria responsible for this odour is called Brevibacterium linens, which is similar to the bacteria responsible for sweaty armpits and feet odour. Additionally, yeast contributes to the aroma by feeding on the cheese's fatty components and proteins. The type of milk used in making feta, such as sheep, goat, or cow's milk, can also influence the strength of its smell, with goat's milk resulting in a stronger scent.
When it comes to storage, feta cheese can last for several months if unopened and stored properly. To extend its shelf life, it is recommended to submerge the cheese in brine (a mixture of water and salt) and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help prevent mould and maintain freshness. However, even with proper storage, feta cheese will eventually spoil.
One indication that feta cheese has gone bad is when it starts to smell like sour cream. This strong vinegar-like odour is a sign that the cheese is no longer safe to consume. In addition to the smell, other indicators of spoilage include mould formation, texture changes, and a darker appearance with a slimy film. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the cheese and not consume it.
In summary, while feta cheese typically has a strong and unusual smell, it is generally safe to eat. However, if the cheese starts to smell like sour cream or vinegar, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Proper storage practices can help extend the shelf life of feta cheese, but it is important to regularly check for signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.
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Feta cheese should be stored in brine to keep it fresh and soft
Feta cheese is a soft, creamy, and crumbly cheese with a salty taste. It is often described as having a mildly acidic and sour smell, which some people find off-putting, comparing it to smelly socks, baby vomit, and feet. This distinct odour is a result of the fermentation process, where bacteria break down proteins and release gas. The type of milk used in production also influences the strength of the smell, with goat's milk leading to a stronger scent. Additionally, yeast contributes to the aroma by feeding on the cheese's fatty components and proteins.
Despite its unpleasant odour, feta cheese is generally safe to consume and can be stored for extended periods. To maintain its freshness and softness, it is essential to store feta cheese in brine. Brine is a solution of salt dissolved in water, and it effectively preserves the cheese by reducing its exposure to air. When fully submerged in brine and refrigerated, feta cheese can remain soft and fresh for up to three months.
If you purchase feta cheese packaged in brine, ensure that it is always covered with brine to prevent spoilage. You can also create your own brine solution by mixing a cup of water with a teaspoon of salt and fully submerging the cheese in it. Remember to change the brine every few days, as it will turn milky. Additionally, store the cheese in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
It is important to note that even with proper storage, feta cheese will eventually degrade in quality. Signs of spoilage include the presence of mould, a super sour or unpleasant smell, and changes in texture, such as dryness, hardness, or graininess. If you notice any of these indicators, discard the cheese and do not consume it.
In summary, feta cheese's soft and fresh qualities can be preserved by storing it in brine. By creating a brine solution, ensuring the cheese is fully submerged, and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, you can extend the shelf life and maintain the optimal texture and taste of feta cheese.
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Feta cheese is prone to growing mould due to its high moisture content
Feta cheese is a soft cheese with a high moisture content. This makes it prone to growing mould, especially if it is not stored properly. Feta should be stored in an airtight container or submerged in brine in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to three months. If feta is not kept in an airtight container, it will quickly dry out and become contaminated with mould spores.
The appearance of fuzzy green specks on feta cheese is a sign of spoilage. Unlike harder cheeses, mouldy feta cannot be salvaged by cutting off the mouldy parts, as the mould spores will have already spread throughout the cheese. Therefore, if mould is spotted on feta cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
Feta cheese also has a distinctive sour smell, often described as mildly acidic, which is caused by the fermentation process. The bacteria introduced during the production of feta break down proteins and release gas, which is detected by our smell receptors as an unpleasant odour. The type of milk used in making feta (sheep, goat, or cow) can also influence the strength of its smell, with goat's milk leading to a stronger scent.
In addition to mould and smell, other indicators of spoilage in feta cheese include texture changes such as dryness, hardness, or a crumbly consistency. Feta cheese that has gone bad will also have a sour or super sour smell, similar to sour cream, and should be discarded. To prolong the shelf life of feta cheese, it is important to store it properly, either in an airtight container or submerged in brine.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese has a distinct sour smell, often described as mildly acidic. The type of milk used in making feta (sheep, goat, or cow) can influence the strength of its smell, with goat's milk leading to a stronger scent.
The sour odour of feta cheese results from fermentation, where bacteria break down proteins, releasing gas that contributes to its unique smell. The cheese also contains some form of yeast that contributes to its smell. The yeast feeds on the protein and fat contents in the cheese.
Yes, the smell of feta cheese does not indicate spoilage and is generally safe to consume. However, a strong vinegar-like odour may suggest that it has gone bad.
Feta cheese has a shelf life that's longer than a couple of months and sometimes even more than a year. An unopened package will keep quality for a few extra weeks past the "expiration" date. Opened leftover feta keeps for about 3 to 5 days if you just cover and refrigerate it. If you submerge the leftover block or crumbles in brine, they can last for a month or even longer.
Apart from the smell, there are other indicators to check if feta cheese has gone bad. You can look for mould, texture, and taste. If the cheese has become dry, hard, or grainy, it may have gone bad.
