Expiration & Storage Tips
When does feta cheese expire?
Unopened feta cheese generally stays fresh for about two weeks beyond its printed sell-by date when stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, it will last about 1 week if stored properly in the refrigerator. However, if you have a block of feta cheese and keep it submerged in brine, this can extend the perishable life significantly and it can last up to a month. Feta cheese is also suitable for freezing where it can stay on good condition for about two to three months. After freezing, it can lose some of its signature consistency and become a bit crumbly, but it's still great for cooking.
How do you tell if feta cheese is bad?
Feta cheese is already on the sharper side, smell-wise, but the aroma should never be off-putting. If the feta cheese gives off a strong sour or unpleasant odor, it's likely spoiled. In terms of appearance if the cheese is developing an overly slimy texture, or if you start to spot mold that wasn't originally there, this can be an indicator that your feta cheese has gone bad. Changes in color to a darker or more yellow shade is another sign of spoiled feta.
Tips for storing feta cheese to extend shelf life
• For the freshest taste, it's best to store feta cheese in the fridge.
• Store feta with brine in a container with a tight seal. This brine will keep the feta cheese's characteristic flavor and extend its life.
• If your feta didn't come in brine, you can make your own by dissolving 2 tablespoons of salt in 4 cups of water.
• Freezing feta: wrap tightly in cling film and place in a freezer bag before storing in your freezer. Remember, frozen feta is best used in cooked dishes as the texture can change a bit after freezing.
• Use a clean utensil every time you remove feta from the storage container to avoid contamination.