How Long Does Feta Cheese Last?
Do you ever find yourself craving a salty, creamy bite of feta cheese? Whether you top your favorite salad or make a delectable pasta dish with it, there’s no denying that feta adds some delicious flavor to any meal. But what do you do if you end up having leftovers? How long does feta cheese last when stored properly?
If this has been on your mind lately, then fret not! In this article, I’m going to take an in-depth look at the shelf life of feta cheese and provide all the information and tips necessary for storing it correctly so that it stays fresh. So grab a glass of milk – or perhaps a cup of coffee – and let’s get started!
Contents
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese is a soft cheese native to Greece and one of the most popular varieties in the world. It is traditionally made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, although it may also be made from cow’s milk.
The cheese ripens in a brine solution for one or more months, giving it its characteristic salty taste. In appearance, Feta cheese is soft, slightly grainy, and off-white to yellowish. Depending on the aging process, it has a soft texture and can range from mildly tangy to quite a sharp flavor.
Feta cheese is an excellent addition to salads when crumbled on top or can be melted into dishes like lasagna and other pasta.
Is Feta Cheese Dairy?
Did you ever wonder if Feta cheese is considered dairy? It’s a valid question since we often think of cow’s milk and butter when pondering dairy products.
The truth is, Feta cheese is most certainly part of the dairy family; it’s made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk, both of which are animals that produce milk. The resulting cheese is tangy and salty and usually crumbled over salads or incorporated into dishes like spanikopita, adding a unique flavor.
Despite being classified as dairy, it may still be enjoyed by those who can’t consume other cheeses, as sheep and goat’s milk tends to contain less lactose than cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for some people. So next time you reach for that block of Feta cheese in the store, remember its roots!
Is Feta Cheese Hard Or Soft?
Have you ever wanted to know if feta cheese is hard or soft? The answer lies in its categorization as a “semi-soft” cheese. It sits between soft cheeses, like mozzarella or brie, and harder varieties, such as cheddar or parmesan.
Feta’s unique texture can be described as slightly crumbly or dense. Depending on your recipe, it can melt into dishes easily, making it incredibly versatile. We’ve all been tempted to add a sprinkle of feta to our dishes, but now you know why it’s so great for cooking!
Is Feta Cheese Good For You?
Feta cheese can be a delicious addition to salads and pizzas, but many people question whether it’s good for them. Whether feta cheese is nutritious or not is complex and depends on the type of cheese chosen.
Feta cheese Blocks are made with pasteurized cow’s or sheep’s milk and are typically much lower in fat than other cheeses, which makes them a good option for those watching their dietary fat intake.
Feta contains vitamins A and D and minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and iron. It is also high in protein and is a good source of calcium. Feta is also high in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid.
Whether or not it is a good choice depends on your individual needs, tastes, and health requirements – so remember to check the label before making your decision!
Does Feta Cheese Go Bad?
How Long Feta Cheese Lasts depends on how you store it.
Feta cheese is a delightful addition to salads, entrees, and snacks. There needs to be more clarity: Does feta cheese go bad? The answer may surprise you! Spoiled feta cheese can cause a few uncomfortable symptoms, but with the proper storage, it should last up to 6 months after buying it.
How To Tell If Feta Cheese Has Gone Bad
There are a few tell-tale signs if you’re wondering how to tell if your feta leftovers or unopened blocks of feta have gone bad. The first thing you can do is check the date on the package. If it is past its expiration date, then it’s best to discard it.
If the date isn’t expired, you can do a smell test. Spoiled feta cheese usually has a sour smell that will get stronger with age.
A taste test can also be done; fresh feta cheese should have an initial tangy flavor followed by a slightly salty and peppery aftertaste. If the feta cheese tastes different or changes its color slightly, it should be thrown away.
What Color Is Mold On Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese is delicious and popular but can also be home to mold spores. The mold on feta cheese is usually green-gray, making it easy to spot if it is present.
Generally, mold spores appear on feta cheese when it ages in its brine solution and when the container is left open for too long, allowing moisture and air to collect around the cheese.
Even when mold appears on feta cheese, it may still be edible as long as the moldy parts are carefully removed before consumption; however, most people choose to discard moldy feta completely and opt for one that is fresh and unspoiled.
How Long Does Feta Cheese Last After Opening?
Feta cheese has a longer shelf life than other crumbled cheese varieties, but it is still important to know how long it will last after being opened. Generally speaking, an opened package of crumbled feta cheese will stay safe to eat for up to two weeks; however, this shelf life may be reduced if not stored properly.
Proper storage is key to ensuring the longevity and safety of crumbled feta cheese. It requires storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container as soon as possible to prevent harmful bacteria from forming on the crumbles.
How Long Does Feta Cheese Last In The Fridge?
With proper storage and handling, feta cheese can easily last up to six months in the fridge. All that’s needed is to ensure the cheese is submerged in enough brine or olive oil and stored in an airtight container.
Unopened packages of feta can be frozen for up to a month before its bottom starts to reduce – but there’s no need to fear, as it will still be safe for consumption. However, if you want to avoid this quality reduction altogether, try consuming the cheese within 2 weeks of purchasing it for the best results!
Fridge Feta Block is a great option for those looking to enjoy the same great taste of feta cheese without buying a large block. It is an easy-to-use, pre-cut block of feta cheese that can be stored in your refrigerator or freezer.
How To Store Feta Cheese In The Fridge?
Storing feta cheese properly in the refrigerator is key to preserving its flavor and preventing spoilage. For crumbled feta, cover it in a plastic wrap, freezer bag or place in an airtight container, then place it in the fridge for up to four weeks, making sure to consume any leftovers quickly.
If you’d like to freeze feta, place it into pre-measured portions in freezer bags before placing it inside the freezer, which can last up to six months.
To defrost feta cheese, transfer it from the freezer into the fridge. Thawing frozen feta cheese at room temperature is not a good idea. Keeping your feta stored correctly ensures you’ll have delicious, flavorful cheese anytime you need it!
Brined Feta Cheese
Brined feta cheese is a cheese that comes from Greek and Anatolian traditions. It has a unique taste due to its aging in salt water for several months. As it ages, brined feta gains a sharp flavor that contrasts nicely with its creamy texture.
Unlike other types of aged cheese, the salty water brine helps give the feta its flavor and helps preserve it for longer periods. And because it’s packed in brine, it doesn’t require much continual maintenance or additional salt when cooking with it – every crumbly bite is satisfyingly salty and delicious!
How Long Does Feta Cheese Last In Brine?
Feta cheese is usually stored in brine, a saltwater solution that helps prolong the shelf life of the cheese. This method of storing feta cheese can work extraordinarily well if done correctly. While the shelf-life varies depending on temperature and humidity levels, proper brining can keep your feta cheese fresh for up to 6 months!
The brine may start to darken over time, but this doesn’t mean that the feta has gone bad – as long as you take good care of it, brined feta cheese can stay fresh for an impressive amount of time.
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Crumbled feta cheese is a crumbly, creamy, and salty cheese that adds flavor to various dishes. Feta cheese crumbles are an ideal way to bring out the zesty flavor of feta cheese in your favorite recipes! These feta cheese crumbles have a distinctive, crumbly texture and dissolve easily into various dishes.
Whether you use feta cheese crumbles for sprinkling on top of salads, adding to pizza toppings, or even stirring into a pasta dish, feta cheese crumbles are sure to become your go-to ingredient for adding a delightful Mediterranean kick to any dish.
How Long Does Crumbled Feta Cheese Last?
Crumbled feta cheese typically lasts up to 3-4 weeks when sealed properly and stored in the refrigerator. This gives you a few weeks to experiment with various dishes with crumbled feta as a star ingredient!
Best Ways To Extend The Shelf Life Of Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a popular and delicious ingredient, but it only sometimes lasts as long as you’d like. Here are some tips on how to extend the shelf life of feta cheese so that you can enjoy it for longer:
- Store it properly. Store feta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep out moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
- Keep it cool. You should try to keep the temperature of your fridge relatively low (40-45°F) as this will help preserve the feta cheese for longer.
- Avoid washing it. Avoid washing your feta cheese before storing it, as this could damage its texture and reduce shelf life.
- Cover with olive oil. If you’re looking for even more protection against spoilage, try covering your feta cheese with a thin layer of olive oil before storing it – this adds an extra barrier against bacteria and helps retain moisture while giving your feta a delicious flavor!
- Freeze Feta Cheese. As a last resort, if all else fails and you need to extend its shelf life even further, consider freezing the feta cheese so that you can use it later on when ready.
Best Containers For Storing Leftover Cheese
Check out these stackable food storage containers if you’re looking for the best containers for storing leftover feta blocks.
These food storage containers are both budget-friendly and dishwasher and microwave-safe and have steam vents, making them perfect for many meal prep options.
Check out these ziplock sandwich bags if you want to store your feta in freezer bags. They are the perfect size for leftover feta blocks.
Different Types Of Feta Cheese
There are many different types of feta cheese, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Below are some most popular varieties of feta cheese:
Greek Feta
Greek feta cheese is typically white or pale yellow in color and made from sheep’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor. It is often used in salads, pasta, and pizzas.
French Feta
French feta cheese has a creamy texture, is white or pale yellow in color, and has a milder flavor than other types of feta cheese. It is made from cow’s milk and is often used in salads, quiches, and gratins.
Bulgarian Feta
Bulgarian feta cheese is also made from sheep’s milk. It has a similar appearance to Greek feta but has a milder flavor. Bulgarian feta cheese is often used in salads and sandwiches.
What Is Feta Cheese Used For?
Feta can be eaten on its own as a delicious, savory snack or used in various recipes such as spinach and feta bake.
Here are 5 recipes that use leftover feta cheese:
Greek Feta Salad
If you have feta leftovers try adding it to make a simple pasta greek salad.
Learn how to make Greek Feta Pasta Salad here.
Pumpkin And Feta Muffins
These pumpkin feta muffins are a great savory treat and a fantastic way to use any leftover feta.
Get the recipe for pumpkin and feta muffins here.
Greek Spanakopita Pie
This delicious, flaky pie is packed with feta cheese, spinach, and herbs for a tasty savory treat.
Learn how to make Greek Spanakopita Pie here.
Feta Cheese Stuffed Cucumber Boats
This tasty recipe uses cucumbers as “boats” cut in half and stuffed with flavorful feta and delicious chicken.
Learn how to make Feta Cucumber boats here.
Instant Pot Greek Chicken And Rice
This hearty and flavorful Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice dish uses ground chicken, feta cheese, and other savory ingredients for a delicious one-pot dinner.
Learn how to make this Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice dish here.
Whether you are looking for something to satisfy your cravings or a delicious recipe to try, feta cheese can provide an enjoyable flavor and texture.
Whether crumbled, brined, or stuffed, feta is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add flavor and richness to all dishes.
Can You Eat Feta Cheese While Pregnant?
So can I eat feta cheese while pregnant? The answer is yes. Feta cheese is an excellent source of calcium and other essential nutrients, making it an ideal option for pregnant women aiming to derive maximum benefit from their diets.
So How Long Is Feta Cheese Good For? – Conclusion
In conclusion, feta cheese can last up to four weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator. We can store it in the freezer for up to six months
For best results, use airtight containers like ziplock bags or food storage containers and ensure the cheese does not come into contact with the air. Feta cheese is a great addition to many recipes, and its versatile flavor makes it a delicious choice for any meal. Enjoy
