Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard Italian cheese with a nutty flavour, often used in pasta dishes, salads, and soups. Its unique taste and texture have made it one of the most famous Italian cheeses. But how do you store it? Does it need to be kept in the fridge? The answer is yes. Parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and freshness. This is especially true for grated Parmesan, which is more prone to clumping and spoilage due to moisture. To prevent these issues, grated Parmesan should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Blocks of Parmesan can also be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent drying out and absorbing odours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Parmesan cheese need to be refrigerated? | Yes, refrigerate Parmesan cheese to preserve its quality and freshness. |
| How to store Parmesan cheese in the fridge | Wrap Parmesan cheese to prevent moisture and condensation. Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container. |
| Ideal temperature to store Parmesan cheese in the fridge | Store Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). |
| How long can Parmesan cheese be stored in the fridge? | A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can keep for nine months. |
| How to store Parmesan cheese in the freezer | Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year. |
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What You'll Learn
How to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is often used in pasta dishes, salads, and soups. When storing Parmesan cheese, it is important to consider the type of cheese and the storage conditions to maximise its shelf life and flavour.
For blocks or wheels of Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation. It is important to avoid moisture when storing Parmesan cheese as it can cause spoilage and affect the flavour. Once wrapped, the cheese can be placed in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. Keeping the cheese well-sealed will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator. A block of opened Parmesan cheese can last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can last for up to nine months.
For grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to use an airtight container or a resealable bag to extend its shelf life. Cool temperatures below 40°F (4°C) help prevent the cheese from absorbing moisture, which can lead to clumping and bacteria growth. Grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and is best used within two weeks of storage. To further prevent clumping, a small amount of cornstarch can be added to the cheese, as it absorbs moisture without affecting the flavour or quality.
While freezing is an option for long-term storage, it is generally not recommended for cheese as it can affect its texture and flavour. However, if freezing is necessary, shredded Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese can be frozen for over a year.
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How long does Parmesan cheese last in the fridge?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. When unopened, it can be kept in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator for up to six to eight months, or even longer if stored optimally. The ageing process results in a cheese with very low moisture content, which is crucial for its long shelf life as there is less moisture available for bacteria and mould to thrive on. Additionally, the salt content in Parmesan acts as a preservative, further extending its shelf life.
Once opened, a block of Parmesan cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it can last anywhere from two to four months or more. Placing it in the refrigerator helps to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours, and covering it ensures that it does not soak up the smells in the refrigerator.
Grated or shredded Parmesan has a shorter shelf life than a block of Parmesan due to its increased surface area exposure. An unopened container of grated Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator and will last for about two to four months, while an opened container may last for several weeks if well-sealed and refrigerated. To maximise its shelf life, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag to prevent clumping and reduce the risk of spoilage.
It is important to be vigilant for signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is noticed on the surface, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and use the remaining cheese. Additionally, Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag to further extend its shelf life.
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Does grated Parmesan need to be refrigerated?
Grated Parmesan cheese should be refrigerated to maximise its shelf life and flavour. When exposed to air, grated Parmesan will absorb moisture, which will cause it to clump and may cause mould to grow. To prevent this, grated Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Parmesan is a hard cheese, made from cow's milk, and has a distinctive, slightly nutty flavour. It is used in pasta dishes, salads, and even soups. However, recipes typically only call for a small amount of Parmesan, so knowing how to store the remaining grated cheese is important.
Grated Parmesan cheese will last for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To further extend the shelf life, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the grated Parmesan, which will absorb any excess moisture.
If you are storing a block of Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper before placing it in the refrigerator. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months, while an unopened block can keep for up to nine months.
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Can you freeze Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life if properly stored. While freezing is an option, it is not always recommended.
Freezing Parmesan cheese can extend its shelf life even further than refrigeration. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan will stay fresh for over a year. When it comes to defrosting, it is best to let a wedge of frozen Parmesan cheese sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before use. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer, but it is a good idea to break up any clumps by giving it a good shake.
To freeze Parmesan cheese, it is important to wrap it properly to prevent moisture and condensation from causing spoilage. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. It is also crucial to ensure that the cheese is stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from absorbing odours from other items in the freezer.
While freezing Parmesan cheese can extend its shelf life, it is worth noting that some sources advise against freezing cheese altogether. This is because the freezing process can affect the texture and quality of the cheese. Additionally, if you plan to use the cheese within a few months, refrigeration may be a more convenient option, as it does not require defrosting.
In summary, while you can freeze Parmesan cheese, the decision to do so depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for long-term storage and are comfortable with potential changes in texture, freezing can be a viable option. However, if you plan to use the cheese frequently and prefer to maintain its original quality, refrigeration may be a more suitable choice.
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What's the best way to wrap Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a beloved Italian cheese known for its nutty and sharp taste. Properly storing Parmesan cheese can help maintain its flavour and texture. Whether you have a small wedge or a large block of Parmesan, it is important to keep it wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.
The best way to wrap Parmesan cheese is to use wax paper and then aluminium foil. You can also use cheese wrap paper, which is designed specifically for storing cheese. Parchment paper, cheesecloth, and cheese paper are also good options. It is important to avoid wrapping Parmesan cheese in plastic wrap or storing it in a cheese dome, as this can trap moisture and cause the cheese to spoil faster.
If you are storing grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, it is important to use an airtight container or resealable bag to extend its shelf life. Vacuum sealing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, as it removes air from the packaging, preventing the cheese from drying out and maintaining its flavour.
Additionally, it is recommended to store Parmesan cheese separately from other types of cheese, as it can easily absorb strong odours and flavours from its surroundings. The ideal storage temperature for Parmesan cheese is below 40°F (4°C) in the warmest part of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable or cheese drawer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Parmesan cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can be kept in the fridge for up to nine months. Once opened, it will last for up to two months. Grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life and should be used within two weeks to avoid clumping.
Parmesan cheese should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator. You can wrap a block of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper, and then cover it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Grated Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container.
