Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process that can last anywhere from a minimum of two years to more than four. Its hardness and low moisture content give it a longer shelf life than softer cheeses. When stored properly in the refrigerator, an unopened package of Parmesan can last several months beyond its expiration date, while an opened package can last one to two months. Proper storage methods include wrapping the cheese to prevent moisture and odour absorption, as well as ensuring the cheese is well-sealed and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. While Parmesan has a long shelf life, it can eventually spoil, exhibiting signs such as a change in colour, a harder texture, mould growth, off odours, and changes in taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Several weeks to months |
| Opened package shelf life | 4-8 weeks |
| Unopened shelf life | Several months beyond the expiration date |
| Grated or shredded shelf life | 1 week |
| Vacuum-sealed shelf life | Decades |
| Grated shelf life in an airtight container | 3-6 months |
| Spoilage signs | Mould growth, off odours, changes in texture, colour, and smell |
| Spoiled colour | Light to dark |
| Spoiled texture | Harder |
| Spoiled smell | Mouldy or sour |
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What You'll Learn
How to store Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a lengthy aging process of a minimum of two years and occasionally more than four. The quality and flavour of Parmesan cheese are best when it's fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life.
Firstly, it is important to note that moisture will cause spoilage, so Parmesan cheese needs to breathe to prevent condensation. You can wrap a wedge of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth/cheese paper, wax paper, or wax cloth wrap. Store grated Parmesan in an airtight container.
Secondly, cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from soaking up smells in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped cheese in a crisper drawer. 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.
You can also freeze Parmesan cheese 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. You can use shredded frozen cheese straight from the freezer—give it a shake to break up any clumping before use. Place a wedge of frozen Parmesan cheese on a countertop for ten minutes at room temperature to defrost before using.
If mould develops on the surface, it is possible to remove it using a knife. However, if the cheese is already ground, the whole can is suspect once mould is spotted.
You can also look into cheese waxing, a method used by many preppers to store cheese for a long time. You can buy and melt wax specifically for cheese and paint it on. Then, you don't even need to keep it in the fridge.
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Vacuum sealing Parmesan
Parmesan cheese can be safely vacuum-sealed and stored for long periods. The low moisture content of Parmesan means that it is less susceptible to bacteria and mould growth.
However, it is important to note that the moisture content of Parmesan can vary, and cheese with a higher moisture content may be more prone to mould growth, especially if it is not stored properly. If you are vacuum sealing shredded or grated Parmesan, it is essential to be aware of the risk of botulism, which can occur in foods with high moisture content. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to store shredded or grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the freezer, rather than vacuum sealing it.
If you choose to vacuum seal a block of Parmesan, it is important to inspect the cheese regularly for any signs of mould or odour changes. As long as the cheese looks and smells normal, it is generally safe to consume, even if it is past its expiration date. However, if there is any visible mould, it is important to cut away the affected areas and ensure that the knife used is clean to prevent the mould from spreading.
Overall, vacuum sealing Parmesan can be a safe and effective way to store the cheese for extended periods, but proper handling and storage procedures must be followed to ensure food safety.
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Signs of spoilage
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a relatively long shelf life. However, it can still spoil, so it's important to know the signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Firstly, note the original colour, texture, smell, and taste of the Parmesan when you open it. This way, you can easily identify any changes that might indicate spoilage. Spoiled Parmesan will typically change colour from light to dark, and may develop a harder texture. It may also develop mould, which can appear as green spots on the surface. If the cheese has become mouldy, it will also likely have a mouldy or sour smell. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to throw the cheese away.
In addition to visible mould, other signs of spoilage include off odours and changes in texture. If the cheese has become spongy, this may indicate spoilage, especially for shredded Parmesan. Parmesan cheese that has been improperly stored may also develop an off-flavour over time, tasting cardboard-like.
While Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, it's important to pay attention to any signs of spoilage and use your judgement to determine if it is still safe to consume. Proper storage, such as wrapping the cheese and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can help extend the shelf life and prevent spoilage.
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Parmesan shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a low moisture content, which means it has a relatively long shelf life. If stored properly, an unopened package of Parmesan can last several months beyond its expiration date. This is because the use-by date is typically far shorter than the actual time the cheese will be good for.
Once a package of Parmesan is opened, its shelf life depends on how well it is sealed and stored. A block of opened Parmesan cheese will last in the fridge for up to two months. To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan, it should be kept in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. The refrigerator temperature should be kept below 40°F (4°C).
For grated or shredded Parmesan, it is recommended to use a vacuum-sealed bag or a container with a tight lid. Grated Parmesan will last about one week in the refrigerator.
Signs that Parmesan cheese has spoiled include a change in colour from light to dark, a harder texture, and the presence of mould. If mould is present on hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the rest of the cheese. However, if there are any noticeable changes in colour, texture, or smell, it is advisable to inspect the cheese closely and determine if it is still suitable for consumption.
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Freezing Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content and a high salt content, which makes it durable and less prone to mould growth. This means that it can last a long time in the fridge without going bad—several months in most cases. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, freezing is an option.
To freeze Parmesan, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in paper or parchment paper, rather than plastic wrap or sealed plastic containers, to prevent a buildup of condensation. You can then place the wrapped cheese in a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
For shredded or grated Parmesan, it is recommended to flash-freeze the cheese on a baking tray first to avoid clumping. You can then transfer the frozen cheese to a freezer bag.
Frozen Parmesan can be used directly from the freezer, without the need for thawing, and can be added to dishes such as pasta, soups, and stews.
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Frequently asked questions
An unopened packet of Parmesan cheese can last several months beyond its expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly. It can last up to nine months in the refrigerator.
An opened packet of Parmesan cheese will last one to two months in the refrigerator. If you've grated or shredded the Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life.
Parmesan cheese that has gone bad will show certain signs of spoilage. It will change colour from light to dark, develop a harder texture, and may have green mould on the surface. If you take a sniff, you’re likely to notice a mouldy or sour smell.
The best way to store Parmesan cheese is to place it in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer. Cover the cheese block in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
