Patrick Oconnell
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a hard cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk and has a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years. It can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life. However, the question of whether it needs to be stored in the fridge is complex and depends on several factors, including the maturation of the cheese, how it is packaged, and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4 and 8 °C. |
| Keep it in a glass or plastic container or wrap it in food-grade plastic film or aluminium foil. | |
| Vacuum-packed Parmesan can be stored for several months. | |
| Unopened Parmesan can be stored for 7-9 months. | |
| Opened Parmesan can be stored for 1-2 months. | |
| Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. | |
| Preservation | Parmesan Reggiano can be kept at room temperature for short periods without suffering any damage. |
| Wrapping the cheese in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container prevents it from drying out. | |
| Moisture will cause spoilage, so the cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. | |
| Parmesan Reggiano does not go bad because there is too little water activity for mould to grow. | |
| If mould develops, it can be cut off without wasting the rest of the cheese. | |
| The cheese tends to absorb other smells in the refrigerator. |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan Reggiano can be stored at room temperature for a few days
Parmesan Reggiano is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it can be stored at room temperature for a few days. However, it is generally recommended that for optimal preservation, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Parmesan Reggiano can last for several months in the refrigerator when vacuum-packed. The recommended temperature range for storing Parmesan Reggiano in the refrigerator is between 4 to 8°C. It is important to ensure that the package is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can cause the cheese to become mouldy.
If the Parmesan Reggiano is no longer vacuum-packed, it is suggested to wrap the cheese in a slightly damp cotton cloth and store it in a glass or plastic food container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.
The shelf life of Parmesan Reggiano depends on its maturation. For cheese with a maturation of 12-18 months and higher moisture content, the shelf life is about 15 days. For cheese with a maturation of 24 months or more, the shelf life is about one month.
It is worth noting that the fridge is always the best option for storing Parmesan Reggiano, as it prolongs its shelf life. However, if stored at room temperature, it can be kept for a few days without suffering any damage.
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It is best to store it in the fridge at 4-8°C
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is best stored in the fridge at a temperature of 4-8°C. This temperature range ensures the cheese maintains its organoleptic features, keeping its aromatic characteristics and optimal preservation.
Storing Parmesan Reggiano at this temperature range helps to prolong its shelf life. When vacuum-packed, Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. It is important to ensure that the package is sealed tightly and not exposed to air to prevent mould.
If the cheese is no longer vacuum-packed, it is recommended to store it in a glass or plastic container or wrap it in a food-grade plastic film or slightly damp cotton cloth before placing it in the refrigerator. This type of cheese can be kept at room temperature for short periods without damage, but the fridge is the best option for long-term storage.
The longevity of Parmesan Reggiano cheese in the fridge depends on its maturation. For cheese with a maturation of 12-18 months and higher moisture content, it can be kept for about two weeks to 15 days. For cheese with a maturation of 24 months or more, it can be stored for about one month.
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Vacuum-packed Reggiano can last for months in the fridge
Parmesan Reggiano is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. Its unique aging process and low moisture content make it possible to store for long periods.
When storing Parmesan Reggiano, it is important to prevent moisture accumulation, as this can cause spoilage. It is also crucial to ensure the cheese is adequately wrapped to prevent it from absorbing other smells from the refrigerator.
Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It is important to ensure that the package is sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air, which can cause mould. When properly stored, vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can last for several months in the refrigerator.
The longevity of vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano in the fridge depends on its maturation. For cheese with a maturation of 12-18 months and higher moisture content, the recommended storage duration is about 15 days. For Parmesan Reggiano matured for 24 months or more, it can be kept for about a month.
It is worth noting that once the vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano is opened, it should be stored in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in food-grade plastic film to maintain optimal freshness. Additionally, it is recommended to periodically check the cheese's condition to ensure it remains intact and sealed.
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Opened Reggiano can last 1-2 months in the fridge
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a hard cheese made from skimmed, unpasteurized cow's milk. It has a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. It is important to store it correctly to prolong its shelf life and preserve its quality and taste.
Once opened, Parmesan Reggiano cheese can last in the fridge for 1-2 months. It is best to store it in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C. It should be wrapped in food-grade plastic wrap or stored in a glass or plastic container to prevent it from drying out and to protect it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. It is also important to ensure that the cheese is not exposed to air, as moisture will cause spoilage.
If you are storing grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the cheese does not dry out and will prolong its shelf life. Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese will last about one week in the refrigerator.
It is important to note that the shelf life of Parmesan Reggiano cheese may vary depending on its maturation. For cheese with a maturation of 12-18 months and a higher moisture content, it can be kept for about 15 days. For cheese with a maturation of 24 months or more, it can be kept for about a month.
Some people suggest that Parmesan Reggiano cheese can be stored at room temperature and that it may never go bad. However, the general consensus is that it is best to store it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life and preserve its quality and taste.
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If mould forms, cut it off and the Reggiano underneath is fine to eat
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it will last longer than soft cheese. It is recommended that you store Parmesan Reggiano in the refrigerator to keep its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation. When storing Parmesan Reggiano cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to seal it as airtight as possible to prevent moisture from causing spoilage. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan Reggiano cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. Alternatively, you can store it in a glass or plastic container or in cling wrap.
If mould forms on your Parmesan Reggiano cheese, you can simply cut it off and the cheese underneath is fine to eat. This is because the mould will not have penetrated deep into the cheese. However, it is important to note that if your cheese is hard or dried out, you won't be able to rescue it, but you can use the rinds to add flavour to soups and risottos.
One source suggests that you can store Parmesan Reggiano cheese at room temperature for a few days, but the refrigerator is always the best option for long-term storage. Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, while grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese will last about one week.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is advisable to store Parmesan Reggiano in the refrigerator to keep its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.
A whole, unopened block of Parmesan Reggiano cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, while an opened block will last one to two months.
Parmesan Reggiano should be stored in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in food-grade plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other smells in the refrigerator. Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the fridge for several months.
Parmesan Reggiano can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but the fridge is always the best option for long-term storage.
If mould develops on the surface of Parmesan Reggiano cheese, it can be removed with a knife, and the cheese can still be consumed.
