Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a long shelf life, especially when stored properly in the refrigerator. An unopened block of Parmesan can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator, while an opened block will last one to two months. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the flavour and texture of Parmesan cheese. To extend its shelf life, it should be well-sealed in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper, cheesecloth, or wax paper to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours. Grated Parmesan cheese has a shorter shelf life and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting about one week. Parmesan cheese can also be frozen to extend its shelf life even further.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shelf life of unopened Parmesan cheese | 6-9 months or even longer when stored in optimal conditions |
| Shelf life of opened Parmesan cheese | 1-4 months or more when stored properly |
| Shelf life of grated Parmesan cheese | About 1 week in the refrigerator |
| Shelf life of shredded Parmesan cheese | 3-6 months in the freezer |
| Shelf life of wedge of Parmesan cheese | Over a year in the freezer |
| How to store | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store in an airtight container |
| Reason for long shelf life | Low moisture content and salt content |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese's long shelf life
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a low moisture content. This means that it has a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored properly.
When stored in the refrigerator, an unopened package of Parmesan can last several months beyond its expiration date. This is because the use-by date is usually much shorter than the actual time the cheese will be good for, provided it is stored correctly. To ensure maximum shelf life, Parmesan should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). It should be well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from the refrigerator.
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.
Grated Parmesan has a shorter shelf life than a block or wheel of Parmesan. It should be stored in an airtight container and will last about one week in the refrigerator.
To further extend the shelf life of Parmesan cheese, it can be frozen. Shredded Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag and will last for three to six months. A wedge of Parmesan cheese will stay in the freezer for over a year.
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Proper storage methods
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. Its unique characteristics and craftsmanship make it stand out from other varieties of cheese. Proper storage methods are crucial to maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of Parmesan cheese. Here are some detailed instructions for storing Parmesan cheese:
Wrap the Cheese:
Preventing moisture absorption is essential. Wrap a wedge or block of Parmesan cheese in parchment paper, cheesecloth, cheese paper, or wax paper. This allows the cheese to breathe and prevents condensation. You can also use plastic wrap or aluminium foil to cover the cheese block, ensuring it is tightly wrapped. This protective layer helps to maintain the quality of the cheese and prevents it from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
Store in an Airtight Container:
Place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container or resealable bag. This helps to keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavours. Grated Parmesan should always be stored in an airtight container to maximise its shelf life.
Refrigerate:
Store the Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). The refrigerator provides a cool environment that slows down the growth of bacteria and mould, further extending the cheese's shelf life. Place the airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, if available.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage:
If you wish to store Parmesan cheese for an extended period, consider freezing it. Freeze grated or shredded Parmesan in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen shredded Parmesan can last for three to six months, while a wedge of Parmesan can be stored in the freezer for over a year.
Monitor for Spoilage:
Even with proper storage, Parmesan cheese can eventually spoil. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage, such as mould or discolouration. If mould develops, cut off the affected portions, ensuring to remove at least 1/4 inch around the mouldy area.
By following these proper storage methods, you can maximise the shelf life of your Parmesan cheese, ensuring it remains safe to consume and retains its flavour and texture.
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Freezing parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a dry, hard cheese with a very low water content. Its shelf life depends on how well it is sealed and stored. If you've grated or shredded the Parmesan, it may have a shorter shelf life compared to a block or wheel of Parmesan.
To freeze Parmesan cheese, it is recommended to store it in an air-free/vacuum-packed freezer bag or airtight container. Some people recommend wrapping the plastic-wrapped cheese in foil to prevent air from reaching the cheese. It is important to mark the bag with the date and name of the contents. Fresh Parmesan can be frozen for up to a year or more if frozen correctly. It is best to freeze Parmesan in blocks, as less moisture will penetrate the block, helping to keep the taste and texture.
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Grated parmesan's shorter shelf life
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life compared to other cheeses. This is due to its low moisture and high salt content, which prevents spoilage and the growth of microorganisms. An unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last for up to six to nine months when stored in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.
However, once the package of Parmesan cheese is opened, its shelf life decreases. Grated Parmesan cheese, in particular, has an even shorter shelf life than blocks or wheels of Parmesan due to its increased surface area exposure. The shelf life of grated Parmesan depends on various factors, such as how well it is sealed and stored. If stored properly in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator, grated Parmesan can last for about one week to one month.
To extend the shelf life of opened Parmesan cheese, it is essential to store it properly. This includes wrapping the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odours from the refrigerator. Additionally, ensuring that the refrigerator temperature is maintained below 40°F (4°C) will help keep the cheese fresh.
It is important to regularly check grated Parmesan cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould growth, off odours, or changes in texture. If mould is noticed on hard cheeses like Parmesan, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and use the remaining cheese.
Some brands, like Kraft, pasteurize or heat-treat their grated Parmesan cheese to kill bacteria and ensure safety. However, it is always recommended to follow the specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer and use the product before the expiration date for the best quality and flavour.
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Signs of spoilage
Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life, especially when stored properly. However, it can eventually spoil, so it is important to know the signs of spoilage.
One of the most common signs of spoilage in Parmesan cheese is the presence of mould. If you see any mould on your Parmesan cheese, it is best to discard it. While some sources suggest that it is safe to cut off the mouldy parts and consume the rest of the cheese, this may not remove all the mould spores and could make you sick.
Another sign of spoilage is a change in colour. Parmesan cheese should be a light yellow colour. If it turns a darker shade of yellow or begins to look brown, it is likely spoiled.
An off-flavour or off-smell is another indication that your Parmesan cheese has gone bad. If the cheese develops an unpleasant taste or smell, different from its usual nutty and mellow flavour, it is best to discard it. This off-flavour is distinct from rancidity or mould and is often described as tasting like cardboard.
In addition, Parmesan cheese can spoil if it becomes too dry or brittle. This can happen if the cheese is not stored properly and is exposed to too much air or heat. If the cheese becomes so dry that it is crumbly and difficult to grate, it is likely past its prime.
Finally, Parmesan cheese can also go bad if it becomes contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms. This may happen if the cheese is not handled properly or is past its expiration date. If the cheese looks or feels slimy, or if there are any signs of insect infestation, it is important to discard it immediately.
To prevent spoilage, it is important to store Parmesan cheese properly. This includes wrapping the cheese tightly, ensuring an airtight seal, and storing it in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
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Frequently asked questions
An opened package of Parmesan cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for one to two months. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
An unopened package of Parmesan cheese can last for several months beyond its expiration date, as long as it is stored properly. A whole, unopened block of Parmesan cheese can last seven to nine months in the refrigerator.
Grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last about one week.
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. 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.
