How long does feta stay fresh?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Feta's freshness duration highly depends on the way it is stored, and I maintain its highest quality for many months by following traditional Greek methods acquired from cheese makers. The most important factors in this maintenance are maintaining refrigeration at uniform temperatures, ensuring the brine's soundness, and preventing infection. It is largely these factors that preserve the texture and flavor.
Brine Integrity
- Salt concentration between 7-10% prevents microbial growth. Maintain full cheese submersion using weights if needed. Replace evaporated brine with fresh saltwater solution immediately to avoid texture changes.
Temperature Control
- Constant 34-38°F (1-3°C) refrigeration slows enzymatic activity. Avoid door storage where temperatures fluctuate. Use refrigerator thermometers to verify stable conditions preventing premature spoilage.
Contamination Prevention
- Always use clean utensils when handling feta. Never touch cheese with bare hands introducing bacteria. Seal containers airtight blocking external odors affecting flavor development.
Spoilage indicators should be addressed immediately. Feta that develops pink/orange spots on its surface is experiencing yeast contamination and should be discarded. Cheese with ammonia-like odors indicates that the proteins have broken down and should be discarded. If the cheese becomes slimy, discard it as bacteria have overcome the food and can no longer be recovered.
To revive slightly dried feta, submerge it in milk for 2 hours. This rehydrates the feta without over-salting it. To freeze feta, do it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to retain its texture. Never microwave frozen feta, as it will congeal and create a rubbery consistency.
Commercial packaging impacts shelf stability. Vacuum-sealed feta lasts 28 days unopened, but only a few days after opening. Barrel brine is the most effective method for preserving feta for extended periods. Always transfer supermarket feta to a stable brine immediately after opening.
Read the full article: 10 Incredible Benefits of Feta Cheese
