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The shelf life of feta can also extend beyond the best before date. To find out whether the cheese is still good, a taste or smell test can help, for example.
Shelf life of feta: what you should know
You can conjure up delicious dishes with feta. If you are not sure whether the cheese is still good, you should check before use – otherwise you could end up with a nasty stomach ache.
- Until the best-before date, the cheese is normally safe to eat when sealed. Even after that, it will keep for a few days to a few weeks.
- If the packaging has already been opened, the feta will keep for around another week.
- If the best-before date has already passed, you should take a closer look at the cheese. If the packaging is puffed up, you can be sure that it is bad.
- Mould on the cheese is also an indication that it should no longer be eaten. Other characteristics are a yellowish color and a dry and crumbly condition.
- If the cheese still looks good on the outside, you can do a taste test. If the feta tastes bitter, this means that it is no longer good.
- A smell test also reveals a lot about its condition: if it smells very sour, it is no longer edible.
Practical storage tips for a longer shelf life
To extend the shelf life of feta as much as possible, it is worth taking a look at the correct storage and care methods.
- Fresh feta lasts longest if it is stored in brine. Many manufacturers already supply the cheese in brine, otherwise you can put the feta itself in a lightly salted water solution.
- The right container is also crucial: use airtight containers or screw-top jars so that the cheese does not dry out and does not take on any foreign odors.
- Feta can also be frozen if you want to keep it for longer. To do this, cut it into pieces and pack it in an airtight container. After defrosting, the consistency may change slightly, but it is still perfectly suitable for cooking or baking.
- Vacuum-packed feta will keep a little longer, but after opening it should be placed in brine or sealed airtight so that it stays fresh for a few more days.
