How Long Can Feta Cheese Sit Out?
Feta cheese can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it can harbor harmful bacteria.
It should be stored in the refrigerator, both opened and unopened, to preserve its freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Opened feta cheese, whether in block or crumbled form, can last up to a week in the fridge.
Keeping the block in its brine or adding crumbled feta to the brine can extend its shelf life up to a month.
Unopened feta cheese, either in block or crumbled form, can last up to 3 months in the fridge.
Frozen feta cheese can last up to three months, but the quality may decrease over time.
It is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as slimy texture, extra dryness, mold, and sour or off smell, before consuming feta cheese.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Feta cheese can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours without spoiling, making it a convenient choice for gatherings and picnics. However, it is crucial to keep it covered and away from direct sunlight to maintain its freshness.
2. Contrary to popular belief, feta cheese is not exclusive to Greece. Feta refers to a specific style of cheese, known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavor, but it can be produced in other countries, such as Denmark and France.
3. Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk. However, according to European Union regulations, it can also be produced using cow’s milk, resulting in a milder flavor and creamier texture.
4. The name “feta” comes from the Greek word “φέτα” (pronounced feta), which means “slice.” This name harkens back to how the cheese was traditionally formed and stored in large, sliced blocks.
5. Feta cheese has been around for centuries, with evidence of its production dating back to ancient Greece. It played a significant role in Greek cuisine, forming an integral part of their diet and cultural traditions.
Introduction To Feta Cheese And Its Uses
Feta cheese, with its origins in Greece, is known for its distinctive salt-like flavor and crumbly yet creamy texture. It is typically made from sheep milk, goat milk, or cow’s milk, although cow’s milk is more common in the United States. This versatile ingredient adds a unique taste to a variety of dishes including salads, pitas, sauces, spreads, and dips. Additionally, feta cheese pairs well with watermelon, meats, and seafood, enhancing the flavors of these dishes. If feta cheese is not available, suitable substitutes include queso fresco, goat cheese, or pressed tofu with added brine to achieve a similar salty taste.
Factors Affecting The Shelf Life Of Feta Cheese
The shelf life of feta cheese is influenced by its form (block or crumbled), packaging, and storage conditions. If packaged, feta cheese should have an expiration date as a reference for its freshness. Consuming feta cheese a few days after the expiration date is typically still safe. However, it is crucial to store feta cheese correctly to maintain its safety for consumption. To preserve its quality and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, always store feta cheese in the refrigerator.
Proper Storage Methods For Feta Cheese
To maintain the freshness and quality of feta cheese, it is crucial to store it correctly. Opened feta cheese, whether in block or crumbled form, generally lasts up to a week when stored in the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life of the block form, it is recommended to keep it in its brine or add crumbled feta to the brine, which can preserve the cheese for up to a month. Alternatively, placing the feta block in olive oil can also help retain its quality for a couple of weeks. Unopened feta cheese in block form can last up to 3 months when stored in the refrigerator. However, it is worth noting that expired feta cheese may last a couple of weeks to a month longer than the designated expiration date.
Guidelines For Storing Different Forms Of Feta Cheese
Depending on the type and form of feta cheese, the storage guidelines may vary.
- Unopened crumbled feta cheese typically does not come in brine and only lasts around a week past the expiration date.
- It is crucial to note that feta cheese left out at room temperature can develop harmful bacteria, leading to food poisoning.
- Perishable foods, including feta cheese, can remain safe at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- For prolonged storage, frozen feta cheese can last up to three months. However, it is important to acknowledge that the quality of the cheese may decline over time.
- If using defrosted feta cheese, it is best to incorporate it into hot dishes rather than cold salads.
Freezing And Thawing Feta Cheese
Freezing feta cheese is a viable option to extend its shelf life. When storing feta cheese in the freezer, it is recommended to:
- Pre-freeze crumbles on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container to prevent sticking.
- For feta blocks, drain the brine if necessary, pat the cheese dry, pre-freeze cubed portions on a sheet pan, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
“Pre-freezing cubed portions on a sheet pan helps prevent clumping.”
Frozen feta cheese can last up to three months, although its quality may deteriorate over time. Once thawed, it is advisable to use the feta cheese within 24 hours.
Safety Concerns And Signs Of Spoiled Feta Cheese
Consuming spoiled feta cheese can lead to illness due to bacterial growth. To ensure safety, it is important to be aware of signs indicating that feta cheese has gone bad. Signs of bad feta cheese include:
- Slimy texture
- Excessive dryness
- Grainy or gritty feel
- Presence of mold
- Color changes
- Sour or unpleasant smell
If feta cheese exhibits any of these signs, it is not safe to consume. Symptoms of food poisoning from spoiled feta cheese include:
- Feeling sick
- Experiencing abdominal cramps and pain
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
To prevent spoilage, leftover feta cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, using a Ziploc bag or an airtight container. It is important to remove as much air as possible and keep the cheese in its original brine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does feta last out of fridge?
Feta cheese should be consumed within two hours when kept out of the fridge. In hotter weather, it is advisable to consume it even sooner to prevent bacterial growth. After this time frame, it is recommended to place the feta cheese in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness and safety.
How long does it take for feta cheese to go bad?
Once opened, feta cheese can last for around 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator without any additional preservation methods. However, if you choose to store the opened feta blocks in brine or add feta crumbles to a brine, they can remain good for approximately one month. Another option to preserve leftover feta blocks is to submerge them in olive oil, which can extend their shelf life to about 2 weeks.
Is it safe to eat cheese that was left out overnight?
Cheese left out overnight may not be safe to eat. According to food safety guidelines, cheese should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours to maintain its best taste and quality. While hard cheeses can withstand more time, leaving any cheese out overnight increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illnesses. It is best to refrigerate cheese promptly to ensure its safety and to enjoy it at its optimal quality.
Does feta go bad if not in water?
Feta cheese can go bad if not stored properly, even if it is not in water. While sealed tightly and refrigerated, leftover feta blocks and crumbled feta can last for 5 to 7 days. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, the best way is to submerge the feta in brine which can keep it good for around a month. Additionally, if you have even more time before consumption, you can consider freezing leftover feta cheese as a method of preservation.