Feta Cheese: How To Make It Last Longer

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding a rich and creamy texture with a tangy flavour to dishes. But how long does it last in the fridge? Well, it depends on how it's packaged. Feta packed in liquid salt brine can last for up to 6 months if stored correctly in its original container, with the block fully submerged in brine. On the other hand, dry-packed feta should be used within a week of opening. To extend the life of your feta, you can make your own brine by mixing salt and water or milk and vinegar, ensuring the cheese is fully submerged.

Feta in brine lasts up to 6 months

Feta cheese is a handy staple to have in your fridge, but how long it lasts depends on how it's stored. If you're not planning on eating a whole block in one sitting, you'll need to know how to store it properly to make the most of your cheese.

Most feta cheese comes packaged in a brine solution, which is a mixture of salt and water. This brine not only helps to preserve the moisture and keep harmful bacteria at bay, but it also contributes to the flavour. It's best to buy feta in blocks rather than crumbles because blocks are easier to keep fresh, and crumbles are often more expensive.

Feta cheese in brine will last for about 4 to 6 weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you need more time, you can freeze it. Frozen feta will maintain its best quality for about 6 months, but it may lose some of its texture and flavour. The cheese will be best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.

To make your own brine, use one teaspoon of salt per cup of water. Make sure the feta is completely covered by the brine before placing it in the fridge. Change the brine every few days, as it will turn milky.

If you're in a pinch, you can also store feta in olive oil instead of brine. This will keep the cheese moist and infuse it with herbal and earthy notes. It will stay fresh for about four weeks, which is shorter than brine.

To extend the shelf life of feta cheese, it's important to keep it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. With proper storage, feta in brine can last up to 6 months.

Dry feta lasts 1 week

Feta cheese is a delicious, tangy staple in many kitchens, but it's important to know how long it lasts in the fridge to ensure it stays tasty and safe to eat.

Dry feta, or feta that is not stored in brine, will last in the fridge for about a week. This is because feta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, and it will quickly dry out and become more crumbly when exposed to air. It may also develop mould if contaminated. Therefore, it is best to consume dry feta within a few days of opening the packaging.

To maximise the shelf life of dry feta, it is important to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent mould growth and slow down the drying process. Additionally, ensure that the feta is tightly sealed and refrigerated to maintain quality and safety.

If you need to store feta for longer than a week, you can submerge it in brine (a solution of salt and water). This will protect the feta from air exposure and help keep it soft and fresh for up to three months. Alternatively, you can also use olive oil instead of brine to keep the feta moist and infuse it with additional flavours.

Feta can be frozen

If you have leftover feta, you can extend its life by freezing it. Feta stored in a refrigerator without brine will only last a few days, whereas feta stored in the freezer can last up to three months.

However, there are some downsides to freezing feta. The freezing process can alter the taste and texture of the cheese. Feta may lose some of its saltiness and become more crumbly. If you prefer your feta to be salty, you can place it in brine after it has thawed to restore some of its flavour.

Freezing feta is a good way to save money on groceries as you won't need to replace it every week.

How to Freeze Feta

To freeze feta, you should first pat it dry using a clean paper towel. This step is important because water forms crystals when frozen, which can negatively impact the taste and texture of the cheese.

Next, cut the feta into portions using a knife and cutting board or crumble it with clean fingers. You can also freeze feta as a whole block, but cutting it into portions makes handling, storing and defrosting the cheese easier.

Finally, choose your storage method. You can use cling film, vacuum-sealed bags, or resealable freezer bags. Try to remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing, as the humidity can negatively affect the flavour. Label the bag with the date of freezing and place it in the freezer.

How to Defrost Feta

The best way to defrost feta is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can defrost it by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours. Make sure to use the defrosted feta within 72 hours, otherwise, it may become too sour.

Defrosted feta is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, casseroles, and risottos.

Feta spoilage indicators

Feta cheese is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, so it is prone to spoilage and will not last forever. However, if stored properly, it can be kept fresh in the fridge for a long time—even beyond its "expiration" date.

Visual Inspection

The presence of mould or discolouration (dark spots or areas on the surface) indicates that your feta cheese has spoiled. Feta is a moist cheese, so mould can easily spread throughout the product. If you notice any hairy, fuzzy, or green specks, or any other discolouration, discard the cheese.

Smell

A slightly acidic or tangy odour is typical of fresh feta cheese. However, if the smell becomes significantly stronger, sour, or unpleasant, this indicates spoilage. An off-putting smell, vastly different from its usual briny scent, could mean that the feta is no longer good to use. If the cheese smells like spoiled milk, it should be tossed.

Texture

Fresh feta cheese should have a crumbly yet slightly creamy texture. If it appears dry, hard, rubbery, or excessively slimy, or if it starts to crumble easily, this suggests that the cheese has gone bad.

Taste

When fresh, feta cheese has a salty, buttery, and tangy taste. If the cheese has become overly sour, bitter, or pungent, this is a sign of spoilage.

Other Considerations

• Expiration Dates: Use the "best before" date as a preliminary guide, but keep in mind that the actual shelf life may vary depending on storage conditions.
• Timeframe: Feta cheese that has been stored as-is (without brine) for more than a week should be discarded.
• Freezer Burn: If freezing feta, ensure it is wrapped properly to avoid freezer burn.
• Health Risks: Avoid tasting the cheese if you suspect it has spoiled to prevent the risk of food poisoning.

In summary, the key spoilage indicators for feta cheese are mould, off or sour smells, changes in texture, and a sour or bitter taste. Trust your senses and discard the cheese if you have any doubts about its freshness.

Making your own brine

Feta cheese is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be hard to get through a whole block before it dries out or goes bad. Luckily, you can preserve it for much longer by storing it in brine.

Brine is simply a mixture of salt and water, and you can easily make it at home. The general rule is to use 1 teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup of water. However, some sources recommend using 2 teaspoons of salt for 2 cups of water, so feel free to adjust the measurements based on your taste preferences and the size of your container.

To make the brine, stir the salt into the water until it dissolves. You can use regular table salt or kosher salt, depending on what you have available. Once you have made the brine, place your leftover feta in an airtight container and cover it completely with the brine solution. Make sure the feta is fully submerged, adding more brine if needed.

When stored in brine, feta can last for about a month in the refrigerator. However, it is recommended to change the brine every few days as it will turn milky. Additionally, the calcium and pH levels in the brine can be tricky to balance. If your feta becomes slimy, you can use whey instead of water or add some Calcium Chloride (CaCI2) to adjust the levels and prevent sliminess.

If you find that your feta becomes too salty after being stored in brine, you can soak it in plain water for a few hours or up to half an hour before serving to reduce the saltiness.

Now that you know how to make and maintain your own brine, you can enjoy the benefits of longer-lasting feta cheese with enhanced texture and flavour!

Frequently asked questions