Randy Chandler
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a protected variety of cheese that is produced in specific Italian provinces. It is a hard, dry cheese with very low water content, which means it has a long shelf life. When stored correctly, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a year. If mould appears, it can be cut off, and the cheese can still be eaten. However, if the cheese becomes too hard and dried out, it cannot be rescued.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage conditions | Parmesan Reggiano should be refrigerated at all times. |
| Packaging | Wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper, then cover with plastic wrap. |
| Shelf life | Parmesan Reggiano will last for 1 year in the refrigerator. |
| Mould | If mould appears, cut away at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area. |
| Vacuum-packed | Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. |
| Freshly cut | A freshly cut piece of Parmesan Reggiano with a maturation of 12-18 months can be kept for about 15 days. |
| Maturation | Parmesan Reggiano with a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about 1 month. |
| Freezing | To extend the shelf life, freeze the cheese in portions no larger than 1/2 pound each. |
| Freezer shelf life | Properly stored, frozen Parmesan Reggiano will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months. |
| Hard texture | If the cheese becomes hard or dried out, it cannot be rescued. |
| Strong smell | A strong smell may indicate that the cheese is going bad. |
| Colour change | A darkening in colour may indicate that the cheese is going bad. |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan Reggiano can be stored at room temperature for short periods
Parmesan Reggiano is a dry, hard cheese with very little water activity, which means it can be stored without refrigeration for longer than softer cheeses. In fact, some suggest that Parmesan Reggiano does not go bad at all. However, it is generally recommended that the cheese is refrigerated to maintain its aromatic characteristics and ensure optimal preservation.
When buying a freshly cut piece of Parmesan Reggiano, the length of time it can be kept depends on its maturation. A maturation of 12 to 18 months with a higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days, while a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about a month.
If mould develops on the surface, it can be cut off and the cheese can continue to be eaten. However, if the cheese is hard or dried out, it cannot be rescued, although the rind can be used to add flavour to soups and risottos.
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Refrigerate to maintain optimal preservation
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content. This means that it has a long shelf life, even beyond its printed expiration date. However, refrigeration is necessary to maintain optimal preservation.
When storing Parmesan Reggiano cheese, it is important to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will prevent the cheese from drying out and will also protect it from absorbing other smells from the refrigerator. It is also recommended to store the cheese away from other food items, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb odours. The ideal temperature range for storing Parmesan Reggiano in the refrigerator is between 4°C and 8°C.
Vacuum-packed Parmesan Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. If the cheese is freshly cut or removed from its vacuum pack, it should be consumed within 15 days if the maturation period is between 12 and 18 months, and within about a month if the maturation period is 24 months or more.
If mould develops on the surface of the cheese, it can be safely removed using a knife. It is important to cut at least 1 inch around and below the mouldy area and to ensure that the knife does not touch the mould. However, if the cheese becomes too hard or dried out, it cannot be rescued, although the rinds can still be used to add flavour to soups and risottos.
To extend the shelf life of Parmesan Reggiano, it can be frozen. The cheese should be cut into portions no larger than half a pound each and wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic freezer wrap, or placed inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen Parmesan Reggiano will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months but will remain safe to consume beyond this period.
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Vacuum-packed cheese can be stored for several months
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content. This means that it has a long shelf life and can be stored for several months. When vacuum-packed, Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. The pack should be sealed and tight, and not exposed to air. The ideal refrigerator temperature range for storing Parmigiano Reggiano is 4 to 8°C.
It is important to note that the maturation of the cheese also affects its shelf life. Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 12-18 months and a higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days, while Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about a month. If mould develops on the surface, it can be removed with a knife, and the cheese can still be enjoyed. However, if the cheese becomes hard or dried out, it cannot be rescued and should be discarded.
To further extend the shelf life of Parmigiano Reggiano, it can be frozen. To do this, cut the cheese into portions no larger than 1/2 pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, frozen Parmigiano Reggiano will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months but will remain safe beyond that time.
Additionally, it is recommended to store Parmigiano Reggiano in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in cling wrap or food-grade plastic film. This is because the fatty part of the cheese tends to absorb other smells present in the refrigerator. It is also important to never touch the cheese with your fingers, as the acid from your fingers can cause moulding.
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Freeze the cheese to extend its shelf life
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese with little water activity, which means it has a long shelf life. However, to extend its shelf life even further, you can freeze it.
Freezing Parmesan cheese is a great way to make it last longer, especially if you have a large quantity that you won't be able to finish before it starts to go bad. Freezing cheese is best done in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the cheese fresh-tasting.
When freezing a block of Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to cut it into smaller portions or shred it before freezing. This way, you can easily take out the amount you need without having to thaw the entire block. Shredded Parmesan cheese can last for three to six months in the freezer, while a wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay fresh for over a year.
To use frozen shredded Parmesan cheese, simply shake it to break up any clumps and then add it to your dish. If you have frozen a wedge or block of Parmesan cheese, you can defrost it by leaving it on the countertop for about ten minutes at room temperature.
While freezing Parmesan cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life, it is important to note that the cheese should not be frozen for extremely long periods. Additionally, freshly cut Parmigiano Reggiano should not be frozen but stored in the refrigerator at a temperature ranging from 4 to 8°C.
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Signs that the cheese has gone bad
Parmesan Reggiano cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content. This means that it has a long shelf life, and can be kept for a long time if stored properly. However, there are some signs that your cheese may have gone bad:
- If the cheese has developed a very hard texture, this may be a sign that it has gone bad. Hard cheese that has dried out cannot be rescued, but the rinds can be used to add flavour to soups and risottos.
- Parmesan Reggiano cheese that has gone bad will darken in colour.
- If the cheese develops a strong smell, it may be a sign that it has gone bad. An acrid scent is a sign that the cheese should be thrown away.
- If mould appears on the cheese, it may be safe to cut away the mouldy parts and re-cover the cheese. However, if mould appears in a package of shredded, sliced or crumbled Parmesan Reggiano cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
To extend the shelf life of Parmesan Reggiano cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4-8°C. It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or first wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered with plastic wrap. It can also be stored in a glass or plastic container or wrapped in food-grade plastic film. Properly stored, Parmesan Reggiano cheese will last for 1 year in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
If stored properly, a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can last for about a year in the refrigerator. When vacuum-packed, the cheese can last in the fridge for several months.
Always store your Parmigiano Reggiano in the refrigerator, far from other food, as the cheese tends to absorb other smells in your fridge. To maximize the shelf life of a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese after opening, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For even better results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Yes, you can. Cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 10 to 12 months but will remain safe beyond that time.
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese that is going bad typically will develop a very hard texture, will darken in color, will develop a strong smell and mold may appear. If your cheese is hard or dried out, you can’t rescue it, but there are many ways to use the rinds.
