How Long Does Feta Cheese Keep In The Fridge? You Won’t Believe The Answer!

Feta cheese, with its distinct tangy flavor and crumbly texture, has become a beloved staple in many kitchens. However, preserving its freshness and quality requires proper storage techniques. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of feta cheese preservation, answering the pressing question: “How long does feta cheese keep in the fridge?” Join us as we explore the factors that influence its shelf life, storage methods, and signs of spoilage, ensuring that you savor the delightful taste of feta cheese at its peak.

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Feta Cheese:

1. Type of Feta Cheese:

• Traditional Feta: Made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, traditional feta possesses a longer shelf life due to its higher acidity.
• Cow’s Milk Feta: Produced using cow’s milk, cow’s milk feta has a milder flavor and a shorter shelf life compared to traditional feta.

2. Packaging:

• Brined Feta: Feta cheese submerged in brine typically has a longer shelf life than vacuum-sealed or crumbled feta due to the protective barrier provided by the brine.
• Vacuum-Sealed Feta: Vacuum-sealed feta is less prone to spoilage as it limits exposure to air and moisture.
• Crumbled Feta: Crumbled feta has a shorter shelf life as its increased surface area allows for easier contamination.

3. Storage Temperature:

• Refrigeration: Feta cheese should be stored at temperatures between 35°F and 40°F (2°C and 4°C) to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
• Freezing: Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can alter its texture and flavor profile.

How Long Does Feta Cheese Keep in the Fridge?

1. Unopened Feta Cheese:

• Brined Feta: Unopened brined feta cheese can last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator, provided it remains submerged in its brine.
• Vacuum-Sealed Feta: Unopened vacuum-sealed feta cheese has a shelf life of approximately 2 to 3 months in the refrigerator.
• Crumbled Feta: Unopened crumbled feta cheese can be stored for about 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.

2. Opened Feta Cheese:

• Brined Feta: Once opened, brined feta cheese should be consumed within 2 to 3 weeks if stored properly in its brine.
• Vacuum-Sealed Feta: Opened vacuum-sealed feta cheese can last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Crumbled Feta: Opened crumbled feta cheese should be used within 1 week to maintain its best quality.

Proper Storage Techniques for Feta Cheese:

1. Refrigeration:

• Store feta cheese in its original packaging or an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
• Ensure the feta cheese is completely submerged in its brine if it came in a brined package.
• Place the feta cheese towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent.

2. Freezing:

• Freezing feta cheese is not recommended, but if necessary, freeze it in its original packaging or an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen feta cheese in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Signs of Spoilage in Feta Cheese:

1. Mold: Visible mold growth on the surface of the feta cheese indicates spoilage. Discard the cheese immediately.

2. Discoloration: Changes in the color of the feta cheese, such as yellowing or darkening, can be a sign of spoilage.

3. Texture Changes: Feta cheese that has become slimy or excessively crumbly may have spoiled.

4. Smell: An off odor, such as a sour or pungent smell, indicates spoilage.

5. Taste: If the feta cheese tastes sour, bitter, or rancid, it has likely spoiled.

Tips for Maximizing the Shelf Life of Feta Cheese:

1. Purchase Fresh Feta Cheese: Look for feta cheese with a firm texture and a bright white color. Avoid cheese with any signs of discoloration or mold.

2. Store Feta Cheese Properly: Always store feta cheese in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Use Clean Utensils: When handling feta cheese, use clean utensils to avoid contamination.

4. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep feta cheese away from other potentially contaminated foods in the refrigerator.

5. Consume Feta Cheese Promptly: Once opened, consume feta cheese within the recommended time frame to enjoy its best flavor and quality.

Beyond the Fridge: Alternative Storage Methods:

1. Freezing Feta Cheese (Not Recommended):

• Freeze feta cheese only if necessary, as it can alter its texture and flavor.
• Freeze feta cheese in its original packaging or an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen feta cheese in the refrigerator overnight before use.

2. Pickling Feta Cheese:

• Pickle feta cheese in a mixture of vinegar, water, herbs, and spices to extend its shelf life and add a unique flavor profile.
• Pickled feta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.

3. Using Feta Cheese in Cooking:

• Incorporate feta cheese into dishes that require cooking, such as casseroles, pasta dishes, and baked goods.
• Cooking feta cheese kills any potential bacteria and extends its shelf life.

Recommendations: Preserving the Delight of Feta Cheese

With proper storage techniques and careful attention to signs of spoilage, you can extend the shelf life of feta cheese and savor its distinct flavor for longer. Whether you prefer the tangy bite of traditional feta or the milder notes of cow’s milk feta, storing it correctly ensures that you can enjoy this versatile cheese at its best. Embrace feta cheese’s culinary versatility, experiment with different storage methods, and relish its unique taste in various dishes.

What People Want to Know

1. Q: How can I tell if feta cheese has gone bad?

• A: Signs of spoilage include mold growth, discoloration, texture changes, off odor, and unpleasant taste.

2. Q: Can I freeze feta cheese to extend its shelf life?

• A: Freezing feta cheese is not recommended as it can alter its texture and flavor. However, if necessary, freeze it in its original packaging or an airtight container for up to 2 months.

3. Q: What is the best way to store feta cheese in the refrigerator?

• A: Store feta cheese in its original packaging or an airtight container towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent.

4. Q: How long does brined feta cheese last in the refrigerator?

• A: Unopened brined feta cheese can last for up to 6 months, while opened brined feta cheese should be consumed within 2 to 3 weeks.

5. Q: Can I store feta cheese at room temperature?

• A: No, feta cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 35°F and 40°F (2°C and 4°C).

6. Q: What are some alternative storage methods for feta cheese?

• A: You can pickle feta cheese in a mixture of vinegar, water, herbs, and spices, or incorporate it into dishes that require cooking, such as casseroles, pasta dishes, and baked goods.