Kamil Perry
Parmigiano Reggiano is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content, which means that it has a longer shelf life than other cheeses. When stored properly, it can last for a year or more in the refrigerator. To store it properly, wrap the original packaging tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or for better results, wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. If there is any mould, cut it away and discard it, but the rest of the cheese should still be safe to eat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge |
| Storage temperature | 4 to 8°C |
| Storage duration | Can last for decades in the fridge |
| Vacuum-packed storage duration | Several months |
| Mould | Cut off mouldy areas and keep eating |
| Use-by date | Far shorter than the actual time the cheese will be good for |
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What You'll Learn
Vacuum-packed parmigiano reggiano can last for decades in the fridge
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese with little water activity, which means it is less susceptible to mould. This is why it can be stored for long periods of time, even decades, if vacuum-sealed and kept in the fridge.
Vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano can last for several months in the refrigerator, and even years or decades, if stored correctly. The pack should be sealed tightly, with no exposure to air, and kept at a temperature between 4 and 8°C. It is also important to note that the cheese should be stored separately from other foods, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator.
The length of time that vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored depends on its maturation. For example, a maturation of 12-18 months with a higher moisture content can be kept for about 15 days, whereas a maturation of 24 months or more can be kept for about a month.
Even if mould develops on the surface, it can be removed with a knife, and the cheese underneath can still be eaten. However, it is important to note that the cheese should not be frozen, as this can affect its organoleptic features, such as its aromatic characteristics.
Some people have reported keeping a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano for over 16 years, moving it with them across continents, and it still tasted delicious. This is a testament to the longevity of this cheese when stored correctly.
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Store in glass or plastic containers
Parmigiano Reggiano is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content, which means it can be stored for a long time without going bad. To maximise its shelf life, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of between 4 and 8°C. It is best to keep it in a glass or plastic container, or wrapped in food-grade plastic film, wax paper or aluminium foil, ensuring the packaging is sealed tightly. It should be kept away from other foods, as the fatty part of the cheese can absorb other smells from the refrigerator.
If you buy a vacuum-packed block of Parmigiano Reggiano, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, as long as the packaging is not exposed to the air. Once the vacuum pack is opened, or if you buy a freshly cut piece of cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator, and will last for around a year as long as it is properly stored.
If mould appears on a block of Parmigiano Reggiano, it can be cut away and the rest of the cheese can be eaten. However, if mould appears on shredded, sliced or crumbled cheese, the entire package should be discarded.
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Don't touch with your fingers
Parmigiano Reggiano is a special kind of cheese with a protected cultural status. It is made in a specific region of northern Italy, using local cow's milk, and specific historical methods. It is also made without additives or preservatives. This means that it is more perishable than other cheeses, and susceptible to mould.
To prevent mould, it is important not to touch Parmigiano Reggiano with your fingers. This is good practice for all cheeses, as the acid from your fingers can cause moulding.
When storing Parmigiano Reggiano, it is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 4 and 8°C. It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, or stored in a glass or plastic container. It is also important to keep it away from other food, as it will absorb other smells.
If mould does develop, it is not necessarily a sign that the cheese has gone bad. As long as you cut away the mould, you can continue to eat the cheese.
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Cut off mouldy bits
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese with low water activity, making it less susceptible to mould than softer cheeses. However, mould can still occur, especially if the cheese is not stored properly.
If you discover mould on your Parmigiano Reggiano, it is important to act quickly to prevent the mould from spreading further. Start by mixing a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Then, using a clean cloth or brush, gently scrub the mouldy areas with the vinegar solution, being careful not to touch the non-mouldy parts of the cheese. This will kill and remove most of the mould.
Next, locate the mouldy bits on the cheese and cut them off with a clean, sharp knife. Be sure to cut at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the mouldy area to ensure that all the mould spores are removed. It is better to cut off too much than not enough, as any remaining mould spores can cause the cheese to mould again.
Finally, discard the mouldy bits in a sealed bag. Do not attempt to eat these bits, as consuming mould can be harmful to your health. Once the mouldy bits have been removed, the rest of the cheese is safe to eat.
To prevent mould from occurring in the first place, it is important to store your Parmigiano Reggiano properly. The cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or food-grade plastic film and then placed in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. It should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4 and 8°C. If vacuum-packed, Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.
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It's best to freeze it for extended shelf life
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is a hard cheese with very little water content, which means it does not go bad anytime soon. However, to extend its shelf life, freezing is the best option.
When stored in the refrigerator, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can last for a year or even more. But if you want to extend its shelf life, freezing is the way to go. Freezing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can keep it safe to consume indefinitely, and it will maintain its best quality for about 10 to 12 months.
To freeze Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cut the cheese into portions of about half a pound each. Then, wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to freeze the cheese before the recommended refrigerator storage time has elapsed.
While freezing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can extend its shelf life, it is important to note that frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavor. Therefore, it is best suited for cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. When thawing, it is recommended to defrost the cheese in the refrigerator, which can keep it fresh for an additional 3 to 4 days. If you thaw the cheese in the microwave or cold water, it is best to use it immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is a dry, hard cheese with very low water content, so it does not go bad as quickly as other cheeses. However, it can still go bad if not stored properly.
If stored properly, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese will typically last for about a year in the refrigerator. Vacuum-packed Parmigiano Reggiano can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.
To store Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, keep it refrigerated at all times and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For best results, wrap the cheese first in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
