Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is often sold in wedges with a tough, waxy outer shell. This is not wax but a natural rind that forms on the outside of the cheese as it ages. While it is edible, it can be too hard and tough to chew. However, it is packed with flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews and more. Some people choose to store their rinds in the freezer and add them to soups and stocks for a subtle burst of rich cheesiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Edibility of wax | Not edible |
| Real Parmesan covered in wax | No |
| Parmesan rind | Hardened cheese |
| Wax coating | Must be mentioned |
| Use of rind | Adds flavour to soups, sauces, etc. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Parmesan rinds are edible
Some people choose to freeze their rinds and then add them to dishes as needed. This is a great way to make the most of your leftover rinds and ensure that nothing goes to waste.
If your Parmesan cheese has a waxy coating, it will say so on the packaging, and this will need to be peeled off before consuming the cheese or its rind. However, real Parmesan cheese is not covered in wax.
So, if you have some Parmesan rinds, don't throw them out! They can be a delicious addition to your meals and a great way to add extra flavour to your cooking.
Frigo Parmesan: Suitable for Vegetarians?
You may want to see also
Rinds can be used to add flavour to soups, stews and sauces
Parmesan rinds are a flavourful addition to soups, stews, and sauces. They can be stored in the freezer and then added to a pot of soup, or cooked for at least 30 minutes to several hours to create delicious, chewy treats. The rinds impart a salty, cheesy, funky flavour to dishes like chicken noodle soup, broths, stocks, and bolognese.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is an aged cheese that develops a tough, waxy outer shell from the air-drying process. This natural rind is simply hardened cheese and is edible, though it can be too hard and tough to chew. However, it is packed with flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, and stews.
Some people choose to discard the rind, but it can be a valuable ingredient in the kitchen. It can be stored in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to six months and added to dishes as desired. The rinds will rehydrate when cooked, so there is no need to worry if they start to dry out in storage.
Whole Foods sells just the rind from large parm wheels, which can be used for cooking. Alternatively, your local cheesemonger may sell you a rind if you ask, or you can buy parm rinds sold by some companies.
So, the next time you finish grating your Parmesan, remember to save the rind and put it to good use in your cooking!
Pecorino and Parmesan: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
The wax coating on some Parmesan cheese is not edible
While it is common to use the rind of Parmesan cheese in cooking, the wax coating on the outside of some Parmesan cheese is not edible. Parmesan cheese is aged, which means that it develops a tough, waxy outer shell from the air-drying process. This natural rind is edible, but it can become too hard and tough to chew. Some people choose to remove this layer before consuming the cheese.
If Parmesan cheese is coated in wax, it will usually be stated on the packaging, and this wax coating can be peeled off and discarded. This type of wax coating is used to protect the cheese during the aging process and is not meant to be consumed. It is important to distinguish between the natural rind of the cheese and any artificial wax coating that may be applied.
It is worth noting that some companies sell Parmesan rinds separately, recognising their value in cooking. The rind is often added to soups, stews, pasta dishes, and risottos to enhance the flavour. It can also be stored in the freezer for future use.
When purchasing Parmesan cheese, it is important to read the labels and be aware of any added coatings or treatments that may affect the edibility of the product. While the natural rind can be consumed, any artificial wax coating should be removed and discarded before using the cheese.
In summary, while Parmesan cheese may have a waxy appearance due to the natural aging process, any artificial wax coating applied to the cheese is not edible and should be removed before consumption. The natural rind, though hard, can be used in cooking to add flavour to various dishes.
Parmesan Cheese: A Unique Italian Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Whole Foods sells Parmesan rinds
Parmesan cheese is not covered in wax. The waxy coating on shredded cheese products is added to prevent clumping and improve packaging appeal. Real Parmesan rind is simply hardened cheese from aging. If a Parmesan cheese does have a wax coating, it will be labelled as such, and the wax will be easily peelable.
Parmesan rinds are also available from other retailers, including Wegman's, Costco, Mariano's, ShopRite, and Ralph's supermarkets with Murray's Cheese departments. Some independent grocery stores owned by Italian families may also sell Parmesan rinds.
The Truth About Enzyme Modified Parmesan Cheese for Vegetarians
You may want to see also
Parmesan rinds can be stored in the freezer
Parmesan cheese is not covered in wax. The waxy coating on grated cheese products is added to prevent clumping and improve the appeal of the packaging.
Real Parmesan rind is simply hardened cheese. Some companies sell Parmesan rinds by themselves, and home cooks can also save their own rinds for cooking. Parmesan rinds can be stored in the freezer, either in a container or a resealable bag, and used to add flavour to soups, sauces, and stocks. Freezing is a good way to protect your cheese when you're going away and don't want it to go to waste. However, some people claim that freezing Parmesan affects the flavour and texture of the cheese.
To use a Parmesan rind from the freezer, simply add it to a pot of soup or a sauce. It will soften and release flavour, and can then be discarded before serving. Parmesan rinds can also be used to make a rich Parmesan broth, which can be used as a base for soups, pasta, and beans.
It is not recommended to freeze Parmesan cheese indefinitely, as it can develop freezer burn. However, some people claim to have successfully used frozen Parmesan rinds that were several years old. To check if frozen Parmesan is still good to use, rinse it in hot water and give it a smell test. If it smells like freezer burn, it should be discarded.
Chicken Parmesan: Why Your Cheese Gets Dark
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, real Parmesan cheese is not covered in wax. The waxy outer shell is a protective layer that develops naturally from the aging process.
The waxy outer shell, or rind, is made of hardened cheese.
The waxy outer shell, or rind, is edible, but it can become too hard and tough to chew.
The waxy outer shell, or rind, can be saved and added to soups, stews, beans, pasta dishes, broths, and stocks for extra flavor.
It is not necessary to buy Parmesan cheese with the waxy outer shell, as it will develop naturally over time. However, some companies sell Parmesan rinds separately, which can be convenient for adding to recipes.
