What happens when eat old feta cheese?

Eating old feta cheese isn't necessarily dangerous, but the experience can be unpleasant. Here's what can happen:

Taste and Texture:

* Stronger flavor: Feta cheese develops a stronger, more pungent flavor as it ages. This can be appealing to some but overwhelming to others.

* Dryer texture: Feta loses moisture over time, making it crumbly and less creamy.

* Possible bitterness: Some aged feta can develop a bitter taste.

Safety:

* Mold: Mold growth can occur on feta cheese, especially if it's not stored properly. Moldy cheese should be discarded, as it can produce toxins harmful to your health.

* Spoilage: If feta is significantly past its expiration date, it may have spoiled. This can lead to food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How to tell if it's safe:

* Smell: Spoiled feta will have a strong, unpleasant odor.

* Appearance: Mold growth, discoloration, or slime are signs of spoilage.

* Texture: If the cheese is excessively dry or crumbly, it may have gone bad.

Recommendations:

* Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date before eating any cheese.

* Store properly: Refrigerate feta cheese tightly wrapped to prevent spoilage.

* Use your senses: If the cheese smells, looks, or feels off, don't eat it.

* Start with small amounts: If you're unsure about how old feta will taste, start with a small amount.

In short, eating old feta isn't inherently harmful, but it might not be pleasant. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard any cheese that appears or smells spoiled.