Quick Answer: Does Feta Cheese Go Bad?
Feta cheese, like all dairy products, can go bad over time. The signs to know how does feta cheeses go bad include dryness, hardness, and sourness.
Do you love feta cheese? You’re not alone!
But even if you are yet to try it, here’s a quick but complete guide on feta cheese, including what feta cheese tastes like, whether feta cheese is good for you, and how to store feta cheese properly.
With that said, let’s get right into it.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese is a type of cheese—a Greek brined white cheese—that’s formed by the coagulation of casein, using sheep or goat milk or a mixture of the two.
Like all cheese, feta cheese can be eaten in different ways, making it a popular treat and ingredient.
Feta cheese originated in Greece and is now consumed around the world.
It has an average aging time of three months, after which it can be added to salads, pastries, pastas, or bread, or enjoyed on its own.
What Does Feta Cheese Taste Like?
Feta cheese has a salty, tangy taste, which can be mild or sharp depending on its aging.
This makes feta cheese (or feta for short) a versatile cheese that complements many different dishes, either as a side or ingredient.
Many people describe feta cheese as having a “rich” taste, which becomes peppery the older it is.
The taste can also depend on the milk used to make it: sheep’s milk provides a buttery flavor while goat’s milk provides a milder overall taste.
What Does Feta Cheese Smell Like?
Most cheeses have a distinct smell, and feta cheese is no exception. Feta cheese is often described as having an acidic smell, sometimes compared with socks or feet.
But that doesn’t mean it tastes the same way it smells, you’ll probably be glad to know!
Despite that, feta cheese has a mild smell overall, at least when compared with other cheese.
The smell of feta cheese can also be sour and peppery, which can sometimes be an indicator that it is starting to go bad.
What Is The Texture Of Feta Cheese?
Feta cheese has a slightly different texture from other cheeses. It is generally soft and compact, formed into blocks that can be held in the hand.
Despite that, feta cheese also has a grainy texture that can be crumbly.
When eaten, feta cheese feels soft and crumbly in the mouth.
This is yet another reason feta cheese is a popular ingredient since its texture can complement a range of common dishes, in addition to the taste it provides.
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Is Feta Cheese Good For You?
Feta cheese is generally considered a healthy type of cheese. It is low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium.
Like many other cheeses, feta cheese is also high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and movement.
Another benefit is that feta cheese is a good source of saturated fat.
However, feta cheese is high in sodium as well, which can cause high blood pressure and other heart complications, including heart disease and an increased risk of strokes.
Feta Cheese Recipes
Feta cheese is a versatile and healthy type of cheese, making it perfect for adding to a wide variety of popular dishes.
These include salads, pastas, pastries, and casseroles. Feta cheese can also be eaten with bread, or enjoyed alone if desired!
Due to this, feta cheese pairs well with starchy foods, vegetables, and most sources of protein.
Feta cheese burgers are not uncommon, as well as pizzas that are topped with feta cheese.
Does Feta Cheese Go Bad?
Feta cheese, like all dairy products, can go bad over time or if not stored properly. The main signs that feta cheese has gone bad include dryness and hardness.
As for taste, feta cheese will have a sour or peppery taste once it begins to go bad, as well as a gritty texture.
If you notice these signs, it’s best not to risk eating it.
Consuming feta cheese that has gone bad can result in stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea – unpleasant conditions that are all worth avoiding!
How Long Does It Take For Feta Cheese To Go Bad?
Once removed from its packaging, feta cheese will last around 5 to 7 days in general.
A good rule of thumb is to consume feta cheese within one week once opened, which will reduce the risk of experiencing any stomach pain or diarrhea, if consumed late.
When kept in the packaging, however, unopened feta cheese can have a general shelf life of around two to three months.
To ensure this, always make sure that the feta cheese you buy is fully sealed and that the packaging is not damaged in any way.
How To Store Feta Cheese
To preserve the taste and condition of feta cheese that’s been removed from its packaging, always store feta cheese in a small ziploc bag or sealed container and keep it in a refrigerator – to be consumed within 5 to 7 days.
To extend its life, you can even store feta cheese in a small amount of brine to make it last up to four weeks.
It’s also possible to freeze feta cheese for future consumption by putting it in an airtight container or ziploc bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Feta Last In Fridge?
Feta cheese can last in the fridge for up to a week if it is wrapped in a paper towel or cheesecloth. It is also recommended that the cheese is wrapped in plastic wrap or in a food storage bag.
How Can You Tell If Crumbled Feta Cheese Is Bad?
Crumbled feta cheese may contain bacteria and the bacteria could cause food poisoning. A good way to tell if the cheese is bad is to smell it. If it smells sour, moldy, or rotten, then the cheese is not good.
Can You Eat Unopened Expired Feta Cheese?
Unopened feta cheese is safe to eat for about one month after it’s expiration date. It includes any cheese that has a thick, rindy layer on top.
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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